"black gemstone"
Origin: Greek (onyx)
Language: English
Onyx
Pronunciation: [ AHN-ihks ]
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A rare gemstone name with powerful, mysterious dark energy
American
Bold
Unique
Modern
Minimalist
Strong
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Onyx
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Meaning & Origin
"fingernail, claw"
Origin: Greek (original meaning)
Language: Greek
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The Story of Onyx
Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning fingernail or claw — ancient Greeks thought the stone, with its translucent layers, resembled a human fingernail. It is a variety of chalcedony quartz typically characterized by parallel bands of black and white. The Romans used onyx extensively for cameo jewelry, carving images into its contrasting layers. As a given name, Onyx belongs to the growing trend of gemstone names for babies (Jasper, Jade, Ruby, Opal, Garnet).
Onyx as a given name has been gradually rising in the US since the 2010s, as parents seek names that are distinctive, nature-connected, and have an edge to them. It fits the broader gemstone-name trend while leaning more masculine than Ruby or Opal due to its hard consonants.
Onyx has been used in jewelry and art for millennia — prized in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In many traditions, onyx is associated with protection, strength, and grounding energy. The stone was thought to absorb negative energy and give its wearer courage.
Historical Record
Onyx first appeared in US Social Security records in 1990.
Over 5,954 babies have been named Onyx in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Onyx is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #359 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In ancient Roman legend, the goddess Venus was sleeping when Cupid trimmed her fingernails — the clippings fell to earth and became onyx stones
- Onyx has been used in cameo jewelry since ancient Rome, where its contrasting black and white layers were carved into miniature portraits and mythological scenes
Onyx in Other Languages
Greek
Onyx
French
Onyx
German
Onyx
Italian
Onice
Spanish
Onice
Popularity Over Time
#359
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 (hip-hop group)
Musician
1988
American hardcore hip-hop group known for the 1993 hit Slam — one of the most aggressive acts in early 1990s rap
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #359
- Total SSA Count
- 927
- Cultural Origins
- American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ox
Oni
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, American 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
-
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
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Onyx is also used as a girl name, ranked #1247.
View Onyx as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Onyx
What does the name Onyx mean?
"black gemstone" (from Greek (onyx)). "fingernail, claw" (from Greek (original meaning)). Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning fingernail or claw — ancient Greeks thought the stone, with its translucent layers, resembled a human fingernail. It is a variety of chalcedony quartz typically characterized by parallel bands of black and white. The Romans used onyx extensively for cameo jewelry, carving images into its contrasting layers. As a given name, Onyx belongs to the growing trend of gemstone names for babies (Jasper, Jade, Ruby, Opal, Garnet).
What is the origin of the name Onyx?
Onyx has Greek (onyx), Greek (original meaning), and American origins. In Greek (onyx), it means "black gemstone". In Greek (original meaning), it means "fingernail, claw".
Is Onyx a boy or girl name?
Onyx is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #359. As a girl name, it is ranked #1247. 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 #359 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Onyx?
Common nicknames for Onyx include Oni.
What are good middle names for Onyx?
Popular middle name pairings include Onyx James, Onyx Cole, Onyx Reed, Onyx Sage, Onyx Atlas, Onyx Stone, and Onyx Wolf.
What are good sibling names for Onyx?
Names that pair well with Onyx as siblings include Jade, Phoenix, Flint, Raven, Zane, Obsidian, and Jasper.
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 a popular name, ranked #359 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Onyx
Onyx is a boy name with American origins . The name means "black gemstone" in Greek (onyx) .
Is Onyx a boy or girl name? Onyx is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #359 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,247. Onyx is more commonly used as a boy name.
Onyx is currently ranked #359 in popularity for boy 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 Ox and Oni. 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