Find out how popular the first name Onyx has been for the last 39 years (from 1985 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Onyx by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Onyx is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 78% of people named Onyx being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,069 male babies and 191 female babies born with the name Onyx.

The history of the first name Onyx

The name Onyx is derived from the Greek word "onyx," which means "nail" or "claw." It refers to the precious gemstone of the same name, which is a variety of chalcedony quartz with parallel bands of different colors. The name Onyx has been in use since ancient times, and its origins can be traced back to the Greek culture.

In Greek mythology, the onyx was believed to have been created from the fingernails of the goddess Venus. It was considered a symbol of strength, protection, and endurance. The name Onyx was likely given to individuals who were perceived to possess these qualities or who had a connection to the gemstone.

The earliest recorded use of the name Onyx dates back to the 5th century BC. In ancient Greek literature, the name appears in various texts, including the works of playwrights such as Aeschylus and Sophocles. However, it was not a common name during that time period.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Onyx was a Greek sculptor who lived in the 5th century BC. He was renowned for his works in marble and is believed to have created several notable sculptures that adorned public buildings in ancient Greece.

In the Middle Ages, the name Onyx became more widespread, particularly in Europe. One notable historical figure with this name was Onyx of Trier, a 6th-century bishop and saint in what is now modern-day Germany. He was known for his charitable works and dedication to the Church.

During the Renaissance period, the name Onyx gained popularity among artists and intellectuals who were fascinated by the gemstone's beauty and symbolism. One prominent figure with this name was Onyx Tiziano, an Italian painter and contemporary of the famous artist Titian, who lived in the 16th century.

In the 19th century, the name Onyx experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the United States. One notable American figure with this name was Onyx Longfellow, a distant relative of the renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who lived from 1839 to 1912. She was a prominent suffragette and activist for women's rights.

Another notable individual with the name Onyx was Onyx Welles, a British explorer and adventurer who lived from 1860 to 1932. He was known for his daring expeditions to remote regions of Africa and Asia and wrote several books about his travels.

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

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

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