Onyx Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ON-iks //ˈɒnɪks//
Origin: Greek; English
Meaning: Greek: a precious stone; English: black gemstone
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Onyx derives from the Greek word 'onyx,' which means 'fingernail' or 'claw.' This etymology is rooted in the ancient belief that the stone was formed from the nails of the goddess Venus, as described in various mythological accounts. The term was adopted into Latin as 'onyx,' maintaining the same meaning, and subsequently made its way into Old French before entering the English language in the late Middle Ages.
In English, Onyx refers not only to the name but also to the gemstone, which is characterized by its striking bands of color and is often associated with protection and strength. Historically, Onyx has been significant in various cultures.
In ancient Egypt, it was used in jewelry and amulets, believed to provide protection in the afterlife. The stone was also favored by Roman nobility, who used it in intaglio carvings and cameos.
The name Onyx appears in literature and art throughout the centuries, symbolizing beauty and resilience. In the context of Christianity, the stone is mentioned in the Book of Exodus as one of the stones in the breastplate of the High Priest, further enhancing its cultural and spiritual significance.
The enduring appeal of the name Onyx can be attributed to its associations with strength, beauty, and protection, making it a symbol of resilience across various cultures. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms and related names, although these are less commonly noted in historical texts.
Overall, Onyx carries a rich tapestry of meanings and associations that have allowed it to persist through the ages.
Famous people named Onyx
In this section, you will find notable people named Onyx. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Onyx who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Onyx who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Onyx is a hip hop group best known for Bacdafucup, All We Got Iz Us, and Shut Em Down.
Fictional characters named Onyx
The following list of fictional characters named Onyx is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Onyx is a fictional character from the comic series Marvel Comics. They are a member of the superhero team known as the X-Men, possessing the ability to manipulate shadows and darkness.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Onyx, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Onyx was first seen in the United States in 1990.
Onyx has ranked as high as #545 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Ohio.
In the past 5 years the name Onyx has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Onyx is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Onyx was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Onyx (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 71 | |
| CA | 69 | |
| FL | 59 | |
| NY | 57 | |
| OH | 50 | |
| GA | 44 | |
| NC | 37 | |
| IN | 35 | |
| VA | 31 | |
| MI | 29 | |
| PA | 29 | |
| TN | 28 | |
| IL | 27 | |
| MO | 20 | |
| MD | 20 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Onyx.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 927 |
| 2023 | 1,077 |
| 2022 | 932 |
| 2021 | 767 |
| 2020 | 446 |
| 2019 | 323 |
| 2018 | 256 |
| 2017 | 188 |
| 2016 | 175 |
| 2015 | 121 |
| 2014 | 92 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2012 | 81 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2009 | 60 |
| 2008 | 41 |
| 2007 | 31 |
| 2006 | 29 |
| 2005 | 20 |
| 2004 | 26 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2000 | 21 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1997 | 17 |
| 1996 | 13 |
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1990 | 6 |