"enchantment, supernatural power"
Origin: Latin/Greek
Language: English
Magic
Pronunciation: [ m-AJ-ihk ]
Does Magic flow with your last name?
The word that promises something extraordinary
American
African-American
Bold
Unique
Playful
Modern
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Magic
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"the art of the Magi (Persian wise men)"
Origin: Persian
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- May face teasing at school due to the word name's whimsical connotation
The Story of Magic
Magic as a given name comes directly from the English word, which traces back through Latin 'magia' to Greek 'mageia' — the art of the Magi (Persian wise men/priests). The word originally referred to the practices of Persian Zoroastrian priests before evolving to mean supernatural arts generally. As a baby name, Magic follows the 'word name' tradition of choosing nouns that carry powerful, positive connotations.
Magic as a given name gained visibility largely through Magic Johnson (Earvin Johnson Jr.), the legendary NBA basketball player who was nicknamed Magic at age 15 due to his extraordinary skill. Some parents have chosen Magic as an actual given name for sons, particularly in communities that honor athletic heroes.
Magic Johnson is one of the most celebrated athletes in American history, and his nickname became so iconic that 'Magic' became culturally synonymous with extraordinary talent. The name also connects to entertainment traditions — magic shows, Las Vegas — and the broader American belief in wonder and possibility.
Historical Record
Magic first appeared in US Social Security records in 1980.
Over 370 babies have been named Magic in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Magic is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,258 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Magic Johnson was nicknamed 'Magic' at age 15 by a sportswriter after a 36-point, 16-rebound game
- The word 'magic' comes from the Persian Magi — the wise men who visited the baby Jesus in the Bible
- Magic Johnson disclosed his HIV-positive status in 1991, changing public understanding of HIV/AIDS
Magic in Other Languages
French
Magie
Italian
Magia
Spanish
Magia
Portuguese
Magia
Popularity Over Time
#4,258
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Magic
M
Magic Johnson
Athlete
1959
Legendary NBA point guard who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships; one of the greatest basketball players o...
Legendary NBA point guard who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships; one of the greatest basketball players of all time
M
Magic (character)
Entertainer
Iconic stage name used by countless magicians and illusionists throughout entertainment history
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Compare Magic with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,258
- Total SSA Count
- 25
- Cultural Origins
- American African-American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Mag
Magi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Magic
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Magic is also used as a girl name, ranked #14719.
View Magic as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (American)
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Greek via French origin
"manly, brave, strong (via Andre/Andreas)"
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Neologism from German sonder + French sonder origin
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"bold, narrow strait"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Magic
What does the name Magic mean?
"enchantment, supernatural power" (from Latin/Greek). "the art of the Magi (Persian wise men)" (from Persian). Magic as a given name comes directly from the English word, which traces back through Latin 'magia' to Greek 'mageia' — the art of the Magi (Persian wise men/priests). The word originally referred to the practices of Persian Zoroastrian priests before evolving to mean supernatural arts generally. As a baby name, Magic follows the 'word name' tradition of choosing nouns that carry powerful, positive connotations.
What is the origin of the name Magic?
Magic has Latin/Greek, Persian, American, and African-American origins. In Latin/Greek, it means "enchantment, supernatural power". In Persian, it means "the art of the Magi (Persian wise men)".
Is Magic a boy or girl name?
Magic is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4258. As a girl name, it is ranked #14719. Magic is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Magic?
Magic is pronounced m-AJ-ihk.
How popular is the name Magic?
Magic is currently ranked #4258 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Magic?
Common nicknames for Magic include Mag and Magi.
What are good middle names for Magic?
Popular middle name pairings include Magic James, Magic Ray, Magic Alexander, Magic Lee, Magic Andre, Magic Darius, and Magic Isaiah.
What are good sibling names for Magic?
Names that pair well with Magic as siblings include Legend, Major, Messiah, Marvel, Royal, Zion, Miracle, and Destiny.
How many syllables does Magic have?
Magic has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Magic a common or rare name?
Magic is an uncommon name, ranked #4258 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Magic
Magic is a boy name with American and African-American origins . The name means "enchantment, supernatural power" in Latin/Greek .
Is Magic a boy or girl name? Magic is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,258 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #14,719. Magic is more commonly used as a boy name.
Magic is currently ranked #4,258 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Magic has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AJ-ihk, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Magic include Mag and Magi. 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