Amethyst first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Amethyst has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Amethyst

A feminine name of Greek origin signifying a violet-colored quartz gemstone.

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 2024, there were 173 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Amethyst.

YearMale CountFemale Count
20240173
20236205
20225233
20210212
20200184
20190188
20180168
20170177
20160160
20150127
2014095
2013055
2012075
2011062
2010062
2009062
2008047
2007070
2006088
2005077
2004097
20030105
2002098
2001095
2000095
19990102
1998096
19970103
1996089
1995088
1994087
1993088
1992092
1991076
1990076
1989064
1988051
1987030
1986037
1985032
1984037
1983018
1982033
1981021
1980022
1979015
1978014
1977015
1976015
1975017

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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