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Mahogany

Pronunciation: [ m-uhh-AHG-uhn-ee ]

Girl Name #2,357 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

Bold, rich, and uniquely glamorous

American African American
Bold Unique Earthy Strong Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"rich reddish-brown tropical hardwood"
Origin: Taino/Caribbean indigenous
Language: English
"beauty, strength, luxury"
Origin: Cultural/symbolic
Language: English

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

French Acajou
Spanish Caoba
Portuguese Mogno

Famous People Named Mahogany

M

Mahogany Jones

Musician

1985

American spoken word artist and motivational speaker

M

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

Mah Maggie Honey

Pairs Well With

Mahogany Rose Mahogany Grace Mahogany Jean Mahogany Nicole Mahogany Renee Mahogany Simone

Sibling Names

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mahogany

What does the name Mahogany mean?
"rich reddish-brown tropical hardwood" (from Taino/Caribbean indigenous). "beauty, strength, luxury" (from Cultural/symbolic). 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.
What is the origin of the name Mahogany?
Mahogany has Taino/Caribbean indigenous, Cultural/symbolic, American, and African American origins. In Taino/Caribbean indigenous, it means "rich reddish-brown tropical hardwood". In Cultural/symbolic, it means "beauty, strength, luxury".
Is Mahogany a boy or girl name?
Mahogany is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mahogany?
Mahogany is pronounced m-uhh-AHG-uhn-ee.
How popular is the name Mahogany?
Mahogany is currently ranked #2357 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mahogany?
Common nicknames for Mahogany include Mah, Maggie, and Honey.
What are good middle names for Mahogany?
Popular middle name pairings include Mahogany Rose, Mahogany Grace, Mahogany Jean, Mahogany Nicole, Mahogany Renee, and Mahogany Simone.
What are good sibling names for Mahogany?
Names that pair well with Mahogany as siblings include Ebony, Ivory, Scarlett, Jasmine, Sterling, and Amber.
How many syllables does Mahogany have?
Mahogany has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Mahogany a common or rare name?
Mahogany is an uncommon name, ranked #2357 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

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.

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