Ivory

♀ Girl

Pronounced EYE-vor-ee /ˈaɪ.vər.i/High

Meaning: From Old French ivoire and Latin ebur, referring to the creamy white material derived from elephant tusks; used as a given name for its color and purity associationsHigh

In 30 seconds: Ivory is a rare and luminous word name evoking creamy elegance and natural beauty, quietly growing among parents drawn to gemstone and material names.

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Origin HighOld French, Latin

MeaningFrom Old French ivoire and Latin ebur, referring to the creamy white material derived from elephant tusks; used as a given name for its color and purity associations

U.S. rank (2025)#378 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births810 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 14,542

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The word ivory traces to Old French ivoire and Latin ebur, referring to the dense white material from elephant tusks prized since antiquity for carving and ornamentation. As a personal name it belongs to the category of word and color names.

Ivory gained use as a given name in the American South during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It ebbed mid-century and has since seen renewed interest alongside names like Pearl, Opal, and Jade.

Did you know? Ivory has been used as a name in African-American communities since the 19th century, partly as a color name and partly as a word of beauty and rarity.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Ivory — word name historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

IvorieIvori

Nicknames

IvyVory

Famous Bearers

★Ivory Joe Hunter (1914–1974)
American R&B and country singer-songwriter, known for 'Since I Met You Baby.'

If you like Ivory…

Pearl— fellow lustrous natural-material name with vintage elegance

Opal— gemstone name sharing the same jewel-box vintage charm

Ivory

Alba— shares the creamy-white color association and soft feminine sound

Blanche— classic white-color name with a similar sense of purity and grace

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ivory mean?

Ivory refers to the creamy-white material from elephant tusks, used as a name for its associations with purity and beauty.

How do you pronounce Ivory?

It is said EYE-vor-ee /ˈaɪ.vər.i/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ivory a girl or boy name?

Ivory is used for both, but it leans feminine in current usage.

How popular is Ivory?

Ivory is a rare, rising choice that has gained attention alongside a broader trend toward jewel and material names.