Onyx
Onyx is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Claw, fingernail, or dark gemstone.
Origin and history
Onyx is a modern word name derived from the English term for the gemstone, which ultimately traces back to the Ancient Greek word for claw or fingernail. It has seen a dramatic rise in U.S. popularity for boys in recent years, becoming a trendy modern choice. The name evokes imagery of the sleek, black mineral.
Popularity in the United States
6,849 babies in the United States have been named Onyx since 1880. It ranks #1457 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #380.
States where it is most popular
- CA (10.3 %)
- TX (7.3 %)
- FL (7.2 %)
- OH (5.6 %)
- NY (5.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 95 |
| 2000-2010 | 280 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,431 |
| 2020-2029 | 5,043 |
Fun facts
- The term onyx stems from the Ancient Greek word for fingernail or claw, referring to the gemstone's translucent layers resembling a fingernail.
- The vast majority of published U.S. births for boys named Onyx have occurred within the last decade, showing a rapid rise in adoption.