Find out how popular the first name Amethyst has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Amethyst by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Amethyst is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Amethyst being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 205 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Amethyst.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Amethyst in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Amethyst

The name Amethyst is derived from the ancient Greek word "amethystos," which translates to "not intoxicated" or "sober." This name has its roots in Greek mythology, where the amethyst gemstone was believed to protect against drunkenness and promote sobriety.

In ancient Greek culture, the amethyst was highly revered for its supposed power to guard against overindulgence in alcohol and to instill a sense of calmness and clarity. The name Amethyst was likely given to individuals as a symbolic representation of these virtues and as a way to invoke the protective qualities associated with the gemstone.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Amethyst can be found in the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who mentioned the name in his dialogues. However, it is unclear whether Plato was referring to an actual person or using the name metaphorically.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Amethyst. One such individual was Amethyst Woodville (1835-1913), an English painter and illustrator who was highly regarded for her depictions of biblical scenes and religious themes.

Another famous Amethyst was Amethyst Kelly (1892-1974), an American actress and dancer who performed in vaudeville shows and Broadway productions during the early 20th century. She was known for her graceful movements and her ability to captivate audiences.

In the literary world, Amethyst Townsend (1906-1982) was a British author and poet who wrote several collections of verse and children's books. Her works often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience.

In the realm of politics, Amethyst Woodroffe (1921-2001) was a prominent British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party from 1964 to 1979. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice issues.

Finally, Amethyst Realm (1957-2018) was an American artist and sculptor known for her intricate glass sculptures and installations. Her works were exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States and received critical acclaim for their innovative use of materials and exploration of light and color.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Amethyst throughout history, each contributing to their respective fields and leaving a lasting impact.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Amethyst was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Amethyst, please contact us.

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