"purple gemstone"
Amethyst
Pronunciation: [ AM-ihth-ihst ]
A sparkling gemstone name with ancient Greek roots
Meaning & Origin
"not intoxicated"
The Story of Amethyst
Amethyst comes from the ancient Greek word 'amethystos,' meaning 'not intoxicated.' The Greeks believed this purple gemstone could prevent drunkenness and often carved wine goblets from it. The stone's stunning violet hue made it one of history's most prized gems, worn by royalty and clergy alike throughout the medieval period.
Amethyst as a given name has been slowly rising since the 2010s, driven by the trend toward gemstone and nature names. The popular animated show Steven Universe (2013–2019) featured a beloved character named Amethyst, sparking renewed interest among a generation of young parents.
In many spiritual and healing traditions, amethyst is considered a protective stone associated with clarity, calm, and intuition. As a name, it carries an aura of mystical elegance and natural beauty.
Fun Facts
- The word amethyst comes from Greek meaning 'not drunk' — the gem was thought to prevent intoxication
- Amethyst is the birthstone for February
- A character named Amethyst appears in the Steven Universe animated series
Amethyst in Other Languages
Famous People Named Amethyst
Amethyst Amelia Kelly
Musician
1990
Stage name Iggy Azalea; Australian rapper and singer known for chart-topping hits
Amethyst (Steven Universe) Fictional
Other
A main Crystal Gem character in the Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe, known for her carefree and rebellio...
A main Crystal Gem character in the Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe, known for her carefree and rebellious personality
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,324
- Total SSA Count
- 173
- Cultural Origins
- English American New Age
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Amethyst is also used as a boy name, ranked #18952.
View Amethyst as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amethyst
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About the Name Amethyst
Amethyst is a girl name with English, American, and New Age origins . The name means "purple gemstone" in Latin .
Is Amethyst a boy or girl name? Amethyst is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,324 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #18,952. Amethyst is more commonly used as a girl name.
Amethyst is currently ranked #1,324 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Amethyst has 3 syllables and is pronounced AM-ihth-ihst, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Amethyst include Amy, Ami, and Thyst. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.