2 syllables: Ez, ra. Stress on Ez.
EZ-ruh
/ˈɛzɹə/
Ezra is pronounced EZ-ruh (/ˈɛzɹə/). It has two syllables (Ez-ra), with the stress on "Ez". Ezra is a male given name of Hebrew origin, traditionally borne by a biblical scribe and leader. In modern use it functions as a proper noun and is pronounced with two syllables, emphasizing the first: EZ-rah. The name carries a sense of antiquity and clarity, often chosen for its simple, crisp vowel sounds and steady consonant structure.
nounEzra is a male given name of Hebrew origin, traditionally borne by a biblical scribe and leader. In modern use it functions as a proper noun and is pronounced with two syllables, emphasizing the first: EZ-rah. The name carries a sense of antiquity and clarity, often chosen for its simple, crisp vowel sounds and steady consonant structure.
"We invited Ezra to speak at the conference."
"Ezra’s handwriting was neat and precise, almost calligraphic."
"The family welcomed our daughter with the middle name Ezra as a nod to tradition."
Ezra is pronounced with two syllables: EZ-rah. In IPA: US /ˈɪzrə/, UK /ˈezrə/, AU /ˈɛzrə/. The stress falls on the first syllable. Start with a short, lax ‘i’ as in ‘kit,’ then a schwa-like or short ‘ə’ in the second syllable, finishing with a lighter ‘rah’ vowel. Keep the final vowel unstressed and quick. You can listen to native pronunciations on Pronounce, Forvo, and YouGlish to hear subtle vowel differences.
Common mistakes include turning the first syllable into a long ‘ee’ sound (EE-zra) and overemphasizing the final vowel (EZ-rah with a full ‘a’). Some may insert a voiced consonant after the z, producing EZ-zra. To correct: keep /ɪ/ as a short vowel in the first syllable, ensure the second syllable is a quick schwa or reduced vowel, and avoid adding an extra syllable or consonant at the end. Practice with minimal pairs and slow repetition to stabilize the two distinct syllables.
In US English, /ˈɪzrə/ with a lax first vowel and a reduced second syllable is common. UK English tends to favor /ˈezrə/, with a slightly crisper first vowel; Australian English often shows /ˈɛzrə/ with a more open first vowel and a non-rhotic tendency on the second syllable. Across all, the rhotic /r/ is reduced in non-rhotic accents after the vowel cluster, and the second syllable remains unstressed. Listen to regional examples to identify subtle vowel shifts.
Ezra presents a few phonetic challenges: the short, near-close front vowel in the first syllable can be mispronounced as a longer ‘ee’ or ‘eh’; the second syllable uses a reduced vowel that may be articulated as a full vowel; and the presence of /z/ followed by a weak vowel requires careful timing to avoid extraneous vowels. The two-syllable rhythm also makes correct stress placement critical for naturalness.
The name often triggers subtle variations in the first syllable vowel (short /ɪ/ vs /ɛ/ depending on speaker) and the second syllable’s vowel reduction. Paying attention to the quick transition from /z/ to /rə/ helps avoid adding an extra vowel. In careful speech, ensure the second syllable is reduced without becoming a separate syllable or a pronounced ‘rah’ with a full vowel.
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Ezra originates from Hebrew עֶזְרָא (Ezra), meaning ‘help’ or ‘helped by God.’ The root ע-ז-ר (ע-ז-ר) conveys aid and support, linked to the verb to help. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as a priest and scribe who leads the return from Babylonian exile and reintroduces law and worship among the Jewish people. The Greek and Latin transliterations in antiquity render Ezra as Esdras and Esdras, progressively anglicized to Ezra in English. First known use in English texts dates to early medieval biblical translations, with the Book of Ezra occupying a canonical place in scripture. Over centuries, Ezra has enjoyed steady, though modest, continued usage in English-speaking communities, appreciated for its concise phonology and biblical heritage. In modern times, Ezra has been chosen across diverse cultures for its clear vowel quality, two-syllable rhythm, and lack of graphemic ambiguity, ensuring easy pronunciation in many languages. The name’s enduring usage in literature and music further stabilizes its recognition, while its meaning—support or help—adds a benevolent connotation that appeals to parents seeking heritage and clarity in a child’s name.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Ezra" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Ezra"
-me) sounds
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