Hazel

The Hazel is a genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The genus is usually placed in the birch family Betulaceae, though some botanists split the hazels into a separate family Corylaceae. The fruit of the Hazel is the hazelnut.

Hazel has always been an important plant in many Native American cultures. Many tribes use young Hazel twigs to weave baskets and ceremonial decorations. (My mother in law is Native and she would feel honored if we used this name, she suggested it.)

I cannot believe how ignorant some people who post to this site are. The name "Hazel" does not refer to a body part or eye colour; instead, it comes from the lovely, amazing Hazel tree that serves as the source for delicious hazelnuts. Hazel trees are beautiful and have a lovely silvery-grey bark and big, green leaves. They are also quite flexible and serve many important uses.

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My own name is Hazel, and I've never associated my name with anything other than the tree. I'm in my 30s, and not one person has ever said anything about my name being a witch's name. Instead, I constantly get compliments from people on having a classic, vintage name. I'm quite a lover of the natural world, so my name suits me perfectly. I think it's an ideal name for parents who want to name their little girl something "naturey" but who also want something classy and with a history to it.

This is also the feminine form of "Hazael", it means "the one who God sees".

Witch Hazel is a powerful astringent, extracted from a shrub by the same name. The Hazel tree symbolized protection and authority. The Hazel nut can be used as a chocolate substitute (my favorite hazelnut spread being Nutella).

Hazel is a light brown colour with a tinge of green, as in the Kelly Clarkson song Behind These Hazel Eyes.