"claw, fingernail (Greek)"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Onyx
Pronunciation: [ AHN-ihks ]
Does Onyx flow with your last name?
A striking black gemstone name with ancient protective power
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Onyx
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"black gemstone with white bands"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Onyx
Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning claw or fingernail, referring to the veins in the stone that resemble fingernails. Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, typically black with white bands, prized since ancient times for cameos and seals. The name has migrated from the mineral world into baby naming as gem and stone names have surged in popularity.
Onyx has risen sharply as part of the trend toward gemstone and mineral names, following Jade, Amber, Ruby, and Crystal but with a darker, more edgy aesthetic. The name appeals to parents drawn to black aesthetics, alternative culture, or simply striking names with natural origins.
In ancient Rome, onyx was believed to store negative energies and protect against evil. In crystal healing traditions, black onyx is associated with strength, protection, and grounding energy. The stone was used in Roman and Egyptian cameo jewelry.
Historical Record
Onyx first appeared in US Social Security records in 1985.
Over 1,622 babies have been named Onyx in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Onyx is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,247 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The ancient Romans believed onyx could absorb negative energy and provide protection
- Onyx beads dating back 4,000 years have been found in archaeological sites across the Middle East
Onyx in Other Languages
French
Onyx
German
Onyx
Italian
Onice
Spanish
Onix
Popularity Over Time
#1,247
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Onyx
O
Onyx Kelly
Other
2014
Daughter of rapper Iggy Azalea and basketball player Playboi Carti
O
Onyx
Musician
American hip-hop group known for the 1993 hit Slam and their aggressive, bald-headed aesthetic
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Compare Onyx with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,247
- Total SSA Count
- 186
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Onnie
Nyx
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Onyx
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Onyx is also used as a boy name, ranked #359.
View Onyx as a boy name →Similar Names
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Hebrew origin
"watchful, alert"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Onyx
What does the name Onyx mean?
"claw, fingernail (Greek)" (from Greek). "black gemstone with white bands" (from Greek via Latin). Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning claw or fingernail, referring to the veins in the stone that resemble fingernails. Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, typically black with white bands, prized since ancient times for cameos and seals. The name has migrated from the mineral world into baby naming as gem and stone names have surged in popularity.
What is the origin of the name Onyx?
Onyx has Greek, Greek via Latin, American, and English origins. In Greek, it means "claw, fingernail (Greek)". In Greek via Latin, it means "black gemstone with white bands".
Is Onyx a boy or girl name?
Onyx is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1247. As a boy name, it is ranked #359. Onyx is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Onyx?
Onyx is pronounced AHN-ihks.
How popular is the name Onyx?
Onyx is currently ranked #1247 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Onyx?
Common nicknames for Onyx include Onnie and Nyx.
What are good middle names for Onyx?
Popular middle name pairings include Onyx Jade, Onyx Sage, Onyx Ember, Onyx Rae, Onyx Skye, and Onyx Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Onyx?
Names that pair well with Onyx as siblings include Obsidian, Jasper, Scarlett, Phoenix, Slate, and Garnet.
How many syllables does Onyx have?
Onyx has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Onyx a common or rare name?
Onyx is an uncommon name, ranked #1247 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Onyx
Onyx is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "claw, fingernail (Greek)" in Greek .
Is Onyx a boy or girl name? Onyx is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,247 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #359. Onyx is more commonly used as a boy name.
Onyx is currently ranked #1,247 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Onyx has 2 syllables and is pronounced AHN-ihks, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Onyx include Onnie and Nyx. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis