Meaning
The meaning of Ezekiel
Ezekiel is usually explained from Hebrew elements meaning God strengthens or may God strengthen. The meaning fits a prophet who speaks in exile and receives visions of judgment and restoration.
Prophet
Ezekiel in exile
Ezekiel is a priest and prophet among the exiles in Babylon. His book is intense, symbolic, and full of visions that speak to a people living through judgment and displacement.
The name therefore carries strength in a very particular form: not shallow toughness, but endurance and prophetic witness in hard circumstances.
Christian reading
Restoration and hope
Christian readers often remember Ezekiel for images such as the valley of dry bones and the promise of a new heart. These passages have shaped preaching, hymnody, and reflection on renewal.
That makes Ezekiel a name with both severity and hope. It is bold, biblical, and strongly prophetic.
Sound
How to pronounce Ezekiel
- Phonetic
- ih-ZEE-kee-el
- IPA
- /ɪˈziːkiəl/
4 syllables · stress: ih-ZEE-kee-el · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Ezequiel
- Yehezkel
- Hezekiel
Short forms and nicknames
- Zeke
- Zeek
- Eze
Languages
Ezekiel in other languages
- Hebrew
- יְחֶזְקֵאלYehezkel
- Greek
- ἸεζεκιήλIezekiēl
- Latin
- Ezechiel
- Spanish
- Ezequiel
- French
- Ézéchiel
- German
- Hesekiel
- Italian
- Ezechiele
- Russian
- ИезекиильIezekiil
- Arabic
- حِزْقِيَالHizqiyal
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Ezekiel matters in Christian interpretation because its images of restoration, Spirit, life, and renewal have been read in light of God's redemptive work. For more on prophet names in the Bible and the prophetic tradition, see Biblical prophet names.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Ezekiel is an Old Testament prophet and priest who ministers among the exiles in Babylon.
Bearers
Notable people named Ezekiel
biblical
EzekielPriest and visionary prophet to the exiles in Babylon, author of the book that bears his namehistorical
Ezekiel HopkinsAnglican bishop of Derry whose published sermons and writings on the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer remained widely read, 1634 to 1690modern
Ezekiel EmanuelAmerican oncologist, bioethicist, and senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, born 1957modern
Ezekiel ElliottAmerican football running back, NFL rushing leader in 2016 and 2018, born 1995
Saint
Holy Prophet Ezekiel
- Traditions
- Orthodox, Catholic
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Ezekiel has become more familiar in modern English-speaking naming, especially with the nickname Zeke. The full name remains strongly biblical and distinctive.
Recent US use
Ezekiel in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #61
- Peak rank
- #48 in 2022
- Recent trend
- rising over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
For families
For families looking at Ezekiel
For a Christian family, Ezekiel offers a serious prophetic name with a strong meaning. It may suit parents who like bold Old Testament names with a usable nickname.
Common questions
What does Ezekiel mean?
Ezekiel is usually understood as God strengthens.
Is Ezekiel a biblical name?
Yes. Ezekiel is a major Old Testament prophet.
Is Zeke a nickname for Ezekiel?
Yes. Zeke is the most familiar short form of Ezekiel.
Sources
Sources for Ezekiel
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology (God strengthens); meaning.
- The Book of Ezekiel, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure (Ezekiel 1:3); priest and prophet to the Babylonian exiles.
- The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, David Hugh Farmer (5th edition)Supports: Holy Prophet Ezekiel; Orthodox feast day (July 21).
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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