Find out how popular the first name Nyx has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nyx by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Nyx is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 83% of people named Nyx being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 64 female babies and 25 male babies born with the name Nyx.

The history of the first name Nyx

Nyx is a name rooted in Greek mythology, originating from the ancient Greek word "νύξ" (nyx), meaning "night". This name personified the primordial goddess of the night, one of the primordial deities birthed from Chaos during the creation of the universe.

In Greek mythology, Nyx is often depicted as a winged goddess, draped in long, dark robes and adorned with a crown of poppies. She is the mother of various deities, including Hypnos (Sleep), Thanatos (Death), and the three Fates who controlled the destiny of mortals. Her counterpart was Hemera, the personification of day.

The earliest recorded references to the name Nyx can be found in various ancient Greek texts, including the works of Hesiod, Homer, and other classical authors. In Hesiod's Theogony, Nyx is described as one of the first beings to emerge from Chaos, along with other primordial entities like Gaia (Earth) and Erebus (Darkness).

Throughout history, the name Nyx has been borne by several notable individuals, albeit infrequently. One of the earliest recorded instances is Nyx of Miletus, a Greek philosopher and mathematician who lived in the 5th century BCE. Another notable figure was Nyx of Rhamnus, a priestess of the goddess Nemesis in ancient Greece.

In the realm of literature, the name Nyx has been used for various fictional characters. One example is Nyx, the personification of Night in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost" (1667). Additionally, Nyx is the name of a character in the popular young adult fantasy series "The House of Night" by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Other notable individuals bearing the name Nyx include Nyx Jayden, an American model and social media influencer born in 1989, and Nyx Cahill, a Canadian dancer and choreographer born in 1987. Nyx Martinez, a Cuban-American actress and singer born in 1970, is another individual with this unique name.

While the name Nyx is not widely popular in modern times, it continues to captivate with its rich mythological heritage and evocative imagery, symbolizing the mysterious and alluring presence of the night.

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 Nyx was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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