"claw, fingernail (Greek)"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Onyx
Pronunciation: [ AHN-ihks ]
Girl Name
#1,247 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A striking black gemstone name with ancient protective power
American
English
Bold
Unique
Modern
Strong
Whimsical
Meaning & Origin
"black gemstone with white bands"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: English
The Story of Onyx
Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning claw or fingernail, referring to the veins in the stone that resemble fingernails. Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, typically black with white bands, prized since ancient times for cameos and seals. The name has migrated from the mineral world into baby naming as gem and stone names have surged in popularity.
Onyx has risen sharply as part of the trend toward gemstone and mineral names, following Jade, Amber, Ruby, and Crystal but with a darker, more edgy aesthetic. The name appeals to parents drawn to black aesthetics, alternative culture, or simply striking names with natural origins.
In ancient Rome, onyx was believed to store negative energies and protect against evil. In crystal healing traditions, black onyx is associated with strength, protection, and grounding energy. The stone was used in Roman and Egyptian cameo jewelry.
Fun Facts
- The ancient Romans believed onyx could absorb negative energy and provide protection
- Onyx beads dating back 4,000 years have been found in archaeological sites across the Middle East
Onyx in Other Languages
French
Onyx
German
Onyx
Italian
Onice
Spanish
Onix
Famous People Named Onyx
O
Onyx Kelly
Other
2014
Daughter of rapper Iggy Azalea and basketball player Playboi Carti
O
Onyx
Musician
American hip-hop group known for the 1993 hit Slam and their aggressive, bald-headed aesthetic
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,247
- Total SSA Count
- 186
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Onnie
Nyx
Pairs Well With
Onyx Jade
Onyx Sage
Onyx Ember
Onyx Rae
Onyx Skye
Onyx Pearl
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Onyx is also used as a boy name, ranked #359.
View Onyx as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Onyx
What does the name Onyx mean?
"claw, fingernail (Greek)" (from Greek). "black gemstone with white bands" (from Greek via Latin). Onyx comes from the Greek onyx meaning claw or fingernail, referring to the veins in the stone that resemble fingernails. Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, typically black with white bands, prized since ancient times for cameos and seals. The name has migrated from the mineral world into baby naming as gem and stone names have surged in popularity.
What is the origin of the name Onyx?
Onyx has Greek, Greek via Latin, American, and English origins. In Greek, it means "claw, fingernail (Greek)". In Greek via Latin, it means "black gemstone with white bands".
Is Onyx a boy or girl name?
Onyx is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1247. As a boy name, it is ranked #359. 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 #1247 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Onyx?
Common nicknames for Onyx include Onnie and Nyx.
What are good middle names for Onyx?
Popular middle name pairings include Onyx Jade, Onyx Sage, Onyx Ember, Onyx Rae, Onyx Skye, and Onyx Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Onyx?
Names that pair well with Onyx as siblings include Obsidian, Jasper, Scarlett, Phoenix, Slate, and Garnet.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #1247 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Onyx
Onyx is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "claw, fingernail (Greek)" in Greek .
Is Onyx a boy or girl name? Onyx is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,247 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #359. Onyx is more commonly used as a boy name.
Onyx is currently ranked #1,247 in popularity for girl 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 Onnie and Nyx. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.