"rich reddish-brown tropical hardwood"
Mahogany
Pronunciation: [ m-uhh-AHG-uhn-ee ]
Bold, rich, and uniquely glamorous
Meaning & Origin
"beauty, strength, luxury"
The Story of Mahogany
Mahogany comes from the Spanish 'mahogani,' itself borrowed from a Taino or other Caribbean indigenous word for the tree. Mahogany wood, prized for its rich reddish-brown color and fine grain, became one of the most valuable luxury materials in colonial trade. As a name, it was popularized by the 1975 Diana Ross film Mahogany, giving it a glamorous, aspirational quality.
Mahogany surged as a given name in the 1970s-80s largely due to the 1975 Diana Ross film Mahogany, in which Ross played a fashion designer who rises to international fame. The film's theme song 'Do You Know Where You're Going To?' became a massive hit.
In African American culture, Mahogany carries connotations of beauty, strength, and luxury. The rich reddish-brown wood has long been associated with elegance, and the Diana Ross film made it a symbol of Black female achievement and glamour.
Fun Facts
- The 1975 Diana Ross film Mahogany inspired a generation of parents to use this name
- Mahogany trees can live for over 350 years and grow up to 200 feet tall
Mahogany in Other Languages
Famous People Named Mahogany
Mahogany Jones
Musician
1985
American spoken word artist and motivational speaker
Mahogany (film character) Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the 1975 Diana Ross film Mahogany, a fashion designer who rises from Chicago's South Side to internationa...
Protagonist of the 1975 Diana Ross film Mahogany, a fashion designer who rises from Chicago's South Side to international fame
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,357
- Total SSA Count
- 78
- Cultural Origins
- American African American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mahogany
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About the Name Mahogany
Mahogany is a girl name with American and African American origins . The name means "rich reddish-brown tropical hardwood" in Taino/Caribbean indigenous .
Mahogany is currently ranked #2,357 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mahogany has 4 syllables and is pronounced m-uhh-AHG-uhn-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Mahogany include Mah, Maggie, and Honey. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.