"black, dark hardwood"
Origin: Egyptian via Greek
Language: English
Ebony
Pronunciation: [ EHB-uhn-ee ]
Does Ebony flow with your last name?
A bold, nature-inspired name celebrating dark beauty
African-American
American
English
Bold
Strong
Modern
Earthy
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Ebony
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"strength and beauty"
Origin: Cultural/symbolic
Language: English
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The Story of Ebony
Ebony as a given name comes from the English word for the dense, dark hardwood from tropical trees, particularly African trees of the genus Diospyros. The English word derives via Latin hebenus from the Greek ebenos, itself borrowed from the ancient Egyptian hbnj. Ebony wood has been prized since ancient times for its beauty and density, used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative arts. As a given name, Ebony emerged in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in African-American communities, celebrating the beauty of darkness and African heritage.
Ebony rose to popularity in the 1970s-1990s in the United States, particularly within African-American communities, partly influenced by Ebony magazine (founded 1945), one of the most prominent Black publications in America. The name Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder's 1982 hit Ebony and Ivory also increased visibility. The name has declined since its peak in the early 1990s.
Ebony magazine, founded by John H. Johnson in 1945, became the most widely read Black magazine in America and a cornerstone of African-American cultural identity. The name Ebony carries associations with this legacy of Black excellence and pride. Ebony wood itself has deep African connections, representing strength, beauty, and endurance.
Historical Record
Ebony first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 38,975 babies have been named Ebony in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ebony is past its peak , currently ranked #5,579 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ebony magazine, founded in 1945, was the leading Black magazine in America for decades, influencing the name's popularity
- Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder's 1982 song Ebony and Ivory brought the word into popular culture with a message of racial harmony
- Ebony wood has been prized since ancient Egypt for its extreme density - it is so dense it sinks in water
Ebony in Other Languages
Arabic
آبنوس
French
Ebene
German
Ebenholz
English
Ebony
Spanish
Ebano
Popularity Over Time
#5,579
Current Rank
Peaked 1982
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ebony
E
Ebony Patterson
Artist
1981
Jamaican-American visual artist known for intricate tapestry works exploring Black identity and beauty
E
Ebony Rose Dark
Entertainer
Stage name used by drag performers and entertainers referencing the iconic beauty of ebony wood
E
Ebony Wilkins Fictional
Other
Character in the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours
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Compare Ebony with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #5,579
- Total SSA Count
- 23
- Cultural Origins
- African-American American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Eb
Ebbie
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, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
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 Boy Name
Ebony is also used as a boy name, ranked #29527.
View Ebony as a boy name →Similar Names
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Japanese/English origin
"brand name (Toyota Camry)"
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Aaria
Girl
Sanskrit origin
"noble, honorable"
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Girl
Hebrew via French Jean origin
"God is gracious"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ebony
What does the name Ebony mean?
"black, dark hardwood" (from Egyptian via Greek). "strength and beauty" (from Cultural/symbolic). Ebony as a given name comes from the English word for the dense, dark hardwood from tropical trees, particularly African trees of the genus Diospyros. The English word derives via Latin hebenus from the Greek ebenos, itself borrowed from the ancient Egyptian hbnj. Ebony wood has been prized since ancient times for its beauty and density, used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative arts. As a given name, Ebony emerged in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in African-American communities, celebrating the beauty of darkness and African heritage.
What is the origin of the name Ebony?
Ebony has Egyptian via Greek, Cultural/symbolic, African-American, American, and English origins. In Egyptian via Greek, it means "black, dark hardwood". In Cultural/symbolic, it means "strength and beauty".
Is Ebony a boy or girl name?
Ebony is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5579. As a boy name, it is ranked #29527. 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 #5579 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ebony?
Common nicknames for Ebony include Ebbie.
What are good middle names for Ebony?
Popular middle name pairings include Ebony Rose, Ebony Grace, Ebony Marie, Ebony Nicole, Ebony Renee, Ebony Joy, and Ebony Faith.
What are good sibling names for Ebony?
Names that pair well with Ebony as siblings include Ivory, Diamond, Crystal, Jade, Amber, Jasmine, and Destiny.
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 #5579 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Ebony
Ebony is a girl name with African-American, American, and English origins . The name means "black, dark hardwood" in Egyptian via Greek .
Is Ebony a boy or girl name? Ebony is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,579 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,527. Ebony is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ebony is currently ranked #5,579 in popularity for girl 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 Ebbie. 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