Onyx

Pronunciation: [ AHN-ihks ]

Boy Name #359 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A rare gemstone name with powerful, mysterious dark energy

American

Bold Unique Modern Minimalist Strong

Meaning & Origin

"black gemstone"

Origin: Greek (onyx)

Language: English

"fingernail, claw"

Origin: Greek (original meaning)

Language: Greek

The Story of Onyx

Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning fingernail or claw — ancient Greeks thought the stone, with its translucent layers, resembled a human fingernail. It is a variety of chalcedony quartz typically characterized by parallel bands of black and white. The Romans used onyx extensively for cameo jewelry, carving images into its contrasting layers. As a given name, Onyx belongs to the growing trend of gemstone names for babies (Jasper, Jade, Ruby, Opal, Garnet).

Onyx as a given name has been gradually rising in the US since the 2010s, as parents seek names that are distinctive, nature-connected, and have an edge to them. It fits the broader gemstone-name trend while leaning more masculine than Ruby or Opal due to its hard consonants.

Onyx has been used in jewelry and art for millennia — prized in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In many traditions, onyx is associated with protection, strength, and grounding energy. The stone was thought to absorb negative energy and give its wearer courage.

Fun Facts

In ancient Roman legend, the goddess Venus was sleeping when Cupid trimmed her fingernails — the clippings fell to earth and became onyx stones
Onyx has been used in cameo jewelry since ancient Rome, where its contrasting black and white layers were carved into miniature portraits and mythological scenes

Onyx in Other Languages

Greek Onyx

French Onyx

German Onyx

Italian Onice

Spanish Onice

Famous People Named Onyx

Onyx (hip-hop group)

Musician

1988

American hardcore hip-hop group known for the 1993 hit Slam — one of the most aggressive acts in early 1990s rap

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #359
Total SSA Count: 927
Cultural Origins: American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Ox Oni

Pairs Well With

Onyx James Onyx Cole Onyx Reed Onyx Sage Onyx Atlas Onyx Stone Onyx Wolf

Sibling Names

Jade Phoenix Flint Raven Zane Obsidian Jasper

Also a Girl Name

Onyx is also used as a girl name, ranked #1247.

View Onyx as a girl name →

Similar Names

Brooks Phineas Hendrix Fox Lenox Onyx Lennox Oak

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Frequently Asked Questions About Onyx

What does the name Onyx mean?

"black gemstone" (from Greek (onyx)). "fingernail, claw" (from Greek (original meaning)). Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning fingernail or claw — ancient Greeks thought the stone, with its translucent layers, resembled a human fingernail. It is a variety of chalcedony quartz typically characterized by parallel bands of black and white. The Romans used onyx extensively for cameo jewelry, carving images into its contrasting layers. As a given name, Onyx belongs to the growing trend of gemstone names for babies (Jasper, Jade, Ruby, Opal, Garnet).

What is the origin of the name Onyx?

Onyx has Greek (onyx), Greek (original meaning), and American origins. In Greek (onyx), it means "black gemstone". In Greek (original meaning), it means "fingernail, claw".

Is Onyx a boy or girl name?

Onyx is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #359. As a girl name, it is ranked #1247. Onyx is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Onyx?

Onyx is pronounced AHN-ihks.

How popular is the name Onyx?

Onyx is currently ranked #359 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Onyx?

Common nicknames for Onyx include Ox and Oni.

What are good middle names for Onyx?

Popular middle name pairings include Onyx James, Onyx Cole, Onyx Reed, Onyx Sage, Onyx Atlas, Onyx Stone, and Onyx Wolf.

What are good sibling names for Onyx?

Names that pair well with Onyx as siblings include Jade, Phoenix, Flint, Raven, Zane, Obsidian, and Jasper.

How many syllables does Onyx have?

Onyx has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Onyx a common or rare name?

Onyx is a popular name, ranked #359 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Onyx

Onyx is a boy name with American origins . The name means "black gemstone" in Greek (onyx) .

Is Onyx a boy or girl name? Onyx is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #359 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,247. Onyx is more commonly used as a boy name.

Onyx is currently ranked #359 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Onyx has 2 syllables and is pronounced AHN-ihks, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Onyx include Ox and Oni. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.