Hazel

Hazel comes from Old English haesel, the word for the hazel tree and its distinctive golden-brown nuts. The hazel tree has long been associated in Celtic traditions with wisdom and inspiration — the salmon of wisdom in Irish mythology ate hazelnuts that fell into a sacred pool. The color hazel, that warm mixture of brown and green seen in certain eyes, has become one of the most evocative descriptive color names in English.

Hazel holds the #77 spot among US pet names, with over 1,210 companions sharing it. The name has surged in popularity over the past decade as part of a broader revival of old-fashioned botanical and nature names. Hazel works beautifully for companions with warm brown, amber, or golden coloring, though the name has outgrown any single color association and now suits companions of all appearances. It carries a quiet, woodland warmth that feels both timeless and deeply fashionable right now.