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Amethyst

Pronunciation: [ AM-ihth-ihst ]

Girl Name #1,324 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A sparkling gemstone name with ancient Greek roots

English American New Age
Unique Whimsical Earthy Spiritual Bold

Meaning & Origin

"purple gemstone"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
"not intoxicated"
Origin: Greek
Language: English

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

French Améthyste
German Amethyst
Italian Ametista
Spanish Amatista
Japanese アメシスト

Famous People Named Amethyst

A

Amethyst Amelia Kelly

Musician

1990

Stage name Iggy Azalea; Australian rapper and singer known for chart-topping hits

A

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

Amy Ami Thyst

Pairs Well With

Amethyst Rose Amethyst Grace Amethyst Jane Amethyst Mae Amethyst Claire Amethyst Elise Amethyst Joy

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Amethyst is also used as a boy name, ranked #18952.

View Amethyst as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Amethyst

What does the name Amethyst mean?
"purple gemstone" (from Latin). "not intoxicated" (from Greek). 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.
What is the origin of the name Amethyst?
Amethyst has Latin, Greek, English, American, and New Age origins. In Latin, it means "purple gemstone". In Greek, it means "not intoxicated".
Is Amethyst a boy or girl name?
Amethyst is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1324. As a boy name, it is ranked #18952. Amethyst is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Amethyst?
Amethyst is pronounced AM-ihth-ihst.
How popular is the name Amethyst?
Amethyst is currently ranked #1324 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Amethyst?
Common nicknames for Amethyst include Amy, Ami, and Thyst.
What are good middle names for Amethyst?
Popular middle name pairings include Amethyst Rose, Amethyst Grace, Amethyst Jane, Amethyst Mae, Amethyst Claire, Amethyst Elise, and Amethyst Joy.
What are good sibling names for Amethyst?
Names that pair well with Amethyst as siblings include Jasper, Violet, Onyx, Pearl, Sage, Ruby, and Ember.
How many syllables does Amethyst have?
Amethyst has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Amethyst a common or rare name?
Amethyst is an uncommon name, ranked #1324 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

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.

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