"clear ice, transparent gem"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Crystal
Pronunciation: [ kr-IHST-uhl ]
Does Crystal flow with your last name?
An 80s gem name with genuine sparkle
American
English
Vintage
Classic
Bold
Glamorous
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Crystal
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"sparkling, bright as crystal"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with 1980s naming trends, may feel dated
- Drug slang association with crystal meth
- Crystal Pepsi was a famously failed 1992-1993 product
The Story of Crystal
Crystal comes from the Greek krystallos meaning ice or clear ice, derived from kryos meaning icy cold. Ancient Greeks applied this word to quartz crystal because they believed it was ice that had frozen so hard it would never melt. Crystal the mineral has been prized across ancient cultures for its transparency and perceived magical properties. As a given name, Crystal emerged in the late 19th century and exploded in the 1970s and 1980s.
Crystal exploded in popularity in the 1980s, reaching number 9 in the US in 1982. It was part of the gem and jewel name trend alongside Amber, Ruby, and Diamond. The character Crystal Carrington played by Linda Evans in the soap opera Dynasty helped drive the trend, as did country singer Crystal Gayle, known for her floor-length hair.
Crystal Gayle was one of country music's biggest stars in the 1970s-80s, with her signature waist-length brown hair making her instantly recognizable. Crystal Carrington in Dynasty was the ultimate 1980s vision of glamour and wealth. Crystal balls and crystal healing have given the name a mystical dimension that appeals to some parents.
Historical Record
Crystal first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 326,396 babies have been named Crystal in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Crystal is past its peak , currently ranked #1,174 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Crystal was the number 9 baby name in the United States in 1982
- Crystal Gayle's floor-length hair was her trademark
- The word crystal comes from Greek krystallos meaning clear ice, as ancient Greeks thought quartz was permanently frozen water
Crystal in Other Languages
French
Crystal
German
Kristall
Italian
Cristallo
Russian
Кристал
Spanish
Cristal
Japanese
クリスタル
Portuguese
Cristal
Popularity Over Time
#1,174
Current Rank
Peaked 1982
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Crystal
C
Crystal Reed
Actor
1985
American actress known for her role as Allison Argent in Teen Wolf and Sofia Falcone in Gotham
C
Crystal Gayle
Musician
1951
American country music singer known for her floor-length hair and hits like Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue
C
Crystal Carrington Fictional
Other
The glamorous and sympathetic protagonist of the 1980s TV soap opera Dynasty, played by Linda Evans, embodying 80s luxur...
The glamorous and sympathetic protagonist of the 1980s TV soap opera Dynasty, played by Linda Evans, embodying 80s luxury and style
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,174
- Total SSA Count
- 203
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Crys
Chris
Chrissie
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, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Crystal
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Crystal is also used as a boy name, ranked #18291.
View Crystal as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal
What does the name Crystal mean?
"clear ice, transparent gem" (from Greek). "sparkling, bright as crystal" (from Latin). Crystal comes from the Greek krystallos meaning ice or clear ice, derived from kryos meaning icy cold. Ancient Greeks applied this word to quartz crystal because they believed it was ice that had frozen so hard it would never melt. Crystal the mineral has been prized across ancient cultures for its transparency and perceived magical properties. As a given name, Crystal emerged in the late 19th century and exploded in the 1970s and 1980s.
What is the origin of the name Crystal?
Crystal has Greek, Latin, American, and English origins. In Greek, it means "clear ice, transparent gem". In Latin, it means "sparkling, bright as crystal".
Is Crystal a boy or girl name?
Crystal is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1174. As a boy name, it is ranked #18291. Crystal is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Crystal?
Crystal is pronounced kr-IHST-uhl.
How popular is the name Crystal?
Crystal is currently ranked #1174 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Crystal?
Common nicknames for Crystal include Crys, Chris, and Chrissie.
What are good middle names for Crystal?
Popular middle name pairings include Crystal Lynn, Crystal Ann, Crystal Marie, Crystal Lee, Crystal Dawn, and Crystal Renee.
What are good sibling names for Crystal?
Names that pair well with Crystal as siblings include Amber, Tiffany, Brittany, Ashley, Brandon, and Justin.
How many syllables does Crystal have?
Crystal has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Crystal a common or rare name?
Crystal is an uncommon name, ranked #1174 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Crystal
Crystal is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "clear ice, transparent gem" in Greek .
Is Crystal a boy or girl name? Crystal is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,174 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #18,291. Crystal is more commonly used as a girl name.
Crystal is currently ranked #1,174 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Crystal has 2 syllables and is pronounced kr-IHST-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Crystal include Crys, Chris, and Chrissie. 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