"deep black, dark tropical wood"
Origin: Ancient Egyptian via Greek
Language: English
Ebony
Pronunciation: [ EHB-uhn-ee ]
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Rich, deep, and treasured since the pharaohs
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Nicknames
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2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"hard and precious"
Origin: Latin ebenus
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily used as a girls name in the US; use for boys is unconventional
The Story of Ebony
Ebony comes from the Ancient Egyptian word hbny, referring to the extremely hard, dark heartwood of tropical trees in the genus Diospyros. The word passed through Greek (ebenos) and Latin (ebenus) into English. Ebony wood has been prized for thousands of years — ancient Egyptians imported it from sub-Saharan Africa for furniture and sacred objects, and it features in the Hebrew Bible. As a given name, Ebony became popular in African American communities in the 1970s-1990s, representing pride in African heritage and natural beauty.
Ebony peaked as a girls name in the United States in the late 1970s through the 1980s, gaining visibility through Ebony magazine (founded 1945) and the Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney duet Ebony and Ivory (1982). As a boys name, it is rare but occasionally used, particularly in families where it carries family significance.
Ebony magazine, founded by John H. Johnson in 1945, became the premier publication documenting African American life and achievement. For generations of Black Americans, Ebony represented pride, excellence, and cultural authority — giving the name significant positive cultural weight.
Historical Record
Ebony first appeared in US Social Security records in 1971.
Over 455 babies have been named Ebony in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ebony is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #29,527 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ebony magazine was founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson and became the most widely read Black-oriented magazine in America
- Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney recorded Ebony and Ivory in 1982, making it a #1 hit in multiple countries
- The piano keyboard uses both ebony (black) and ivory (white) keys, which inspired the famous duet about racial harmony
Ebony in Other Languages
Greek
Ebenos
Latin
Ebenus
French
Ébène
Spanish
Ébano
Ancient Egyptian
Hbny
Popularity Over Time
#29,527
Current Rank
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #29,527
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- American African American Caribbean
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Eb
Ebo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ebony
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ebony is also used as a girl name, ranked #5579.
View Ebony as a girl name →Similar Names
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Old French palatinus, Latin origin
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Old English origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ebony
What does the name Ebony mean?
"deep black, dark tropical wood" (from Ancient Egyptian via Greek). "hard and precious" (from Latin ebenus). Ebony comes from the Ancient Egyptian word hbny, referring to the extremely hard, dark heartwood of tropical trees in the genus Diospyros. The word passed through Greek (ebenos) and Latin (ebenus) into English. Ebony wood has been prized for thousands of years — ancient Egyptians imported it from sub-Saharan Africa for furniture and sacred objects, and it features in the Hebrew Bible. As a given name, Ebony became popular in African American communities in the 1970s-1990s, representing pride in African heritage and natural beauty.
What is the origin of the name Ebony?
Ebony has Ancient Egyptian via Greek, Latin ebenus, American, African American, and Caribbean origins. In Ancient Egyptian via Greek, it means "deep black, dark tropical wood". In Latin ebenus, it means "hard and precious".
Is Ebony a boy or girl name?
Ebony is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #29527. As a girl name, it is ranked #5579. Ebony is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ebony?
Ebony is pronounced EHB-uhn-ee.
How popular is the name Ebony?
Ebony is currently ranked #29527 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ebony?
Common nicknames for Ebony include Ebo.
What are good middle names for Ebony?
Popular middle name pairings include Ebony James, Ebony Ray, Ebony Louis, Ebony Marcus, Ebony Andre, Ebony Wayne, and Ebony Lee.
What are good sibling names for Ebony?
Names that pair well with Ebony as siblings include Ivory, Amber, Jade, Jasmine, Onyx, Raven, and Storm.
How many syllables does Ebony have?
Ebony has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Ebony a common or rare name?
Ebony is an uncommon name, ranked #29527 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Ebony
Ebony is a boy name with American, African American, and Caribbean origins . The name means "deep black, dark tropical wood" in Ancient Egyptian via Greek .
Is Ebony a boy or girl name? Ebony is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #29,527 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,579. Ebony is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ebony is currently ranked #29,527 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ebony has 3 syllables and is pronounced EHB-uhn-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Ebony include Eb and Ebo. 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