In today’s Name vs. Name, we have two short, enticing E names with Zs in the middle. Both are in the top 1000 baby names for males, but which one is a top 100 name?
Read more to find out, and see what name we picked (we agree!). Then, be sure to give us your vote!
Name 1: Ezra
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “help”
Pronunciation: EHZ-rah
Nicknames: Ezzie, Ez
Current Rank: 59
Trending: Steadily growing popularity after a fast and recent rise
Our Take:
Ezra has been cruising up the charts. It’s an old, biblical name with a desirable, modern style created by its soft sound and natural inclusion of Z, which parents are loving right now. Never out of style, Ezra has always had a place in the SSA top 1000, but only as of late has it reached these new heights of popularity. There are plenty of associations with this name, though none that overwhelms it. There’s poet Ezra Pound, actor Ezra Miller, and writer Ezra Klein. And maybe, because lots of 90s kids are now 2020 parents, alt rock band Better Than Ezra planted the name somewhere in the back of parents’ minds.
Name 2: Enzo
Origin: German
Meaning: “estate ruler”
Pronunciation: EN-zoh
Nicknames: Zoh
Rank: 228
Trending: Quick and steady rise
Our Take:
Enzo has taken on a life of its own. File this one under the class of trendy nickname names (especially in France!). Like Ezra, Enzo has that popular E and desirable Z, but its -o ending gives it an of-the-moment feel. Often used as a nickname for Lorenzo or Vincenzo, Enzo is actually derived from the German name, Heinrich. Ties to racecar driver Enzo Ferrari give the name an edgy vibe. It also has cross-cultural cache, maybe in part due to its association with Lorenzo, which has been a name popular across national, linguistic, and racial lines.
The Verdict
On paper, these E names seem very similar. But their endings separate them stylistically. The -a of Ezra is an ending sound that has dominated the popularity charts for female names in the US and is now becoming increasingly popular in the male rankings. The -o of Enzo, once considered a bit quirky, has become a familiar sound in our ears, as names like Leo soar up the charts.
Parents ruling out popular names might be hesitant to choose Ezra, which is currently popular, or Enzo, which is quickly rising. But we don’t think of either as being forever associated with one time period or cultural moment. Both names have too much history for that. Enzo has added flexibility in that it works well as a nickname for parents who want a longer first name. Ezra has religious and cultural roots that might work better for parents who value tradition and religion in their name selection. Both names are loaded with charm and durability. You can’t lose with either choice.
Star’s pick: Ezra
Lynda’s pick: Ezra
Readers, what’s your vote?
Tell us why in the comments!
I think Enzo is Italian/Hispanic in culture whereas Ezra is more Anglo-Saxon/American.
Yeah, I think I most often hear Enzo used as a nickname for Lorenzo, which is Italian. The cultural background of a name can really shape its feel!
My grandson’s name is Enzo,his mom calls him Enzi