Opal

♀ Girl

Pronounced OH-pul /ˈoʊ.pəl/High

Meaning: From Sanskrit upala meaning precious stone or gem, via Latin opalus; the opal gemstone is known for its play of iridescent colorHigh

In 30 seconds: Opal is a luminous gemstone name from Sanskrit meaning 'precious stone,' glowing with iridescent color — a Victorian jewel name that has polished up beautifully for the 21st century.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighSanskrit, Latin

MeaningFrom Sanskrit upala meaning precious stone or gem, via Latin opalus; the opal gemstone is known for its play of iridescent color

U.S. rank (2025)#423 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births740 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 73,534

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Opal derives from Sanskrit upala (precious stone), which passed through Greek opallios and Latin opalus into English. The opal gemstone's distinctive iridescent fire made it beloved in antiquity.

Opal was fashionable as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is now in a strong vintage revival alongside other gemstone names like Pearl, Garnet, and Ruby.

Did you know? Australia produces approximately 95% of the world's precious opals, particularly the Lightning Ridge black opal — making the stone as much a symbol of the outback as of Victorian jewel-box names.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Opal — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

OpaleOpalia

Nicknames

Opie

Famous Bearers

★Opal (character in Because of Winn-Dixie) (fictional)
Protagonist of Kate DiCamillo's 2000 Newbery Honor novel, a lonely girl who finds a dog named Winn-Dixie.

If you like Opal…

Pearl— shares the vintage-gemstone beauty name tradition and similar 21st-century revival

Ruby— fellow jewel-red Victorian gem name with the same warm, glowing character

Garnet— shares the Victorian gemstone name tradition and deeper, richer vintage feel

Ivory— shares the luminous natural-material name with the same rare, beautiful quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Opal mean?

Opal means precious stone or gem from Sanskrit upala; it refers to the iridescent opal gemstone.

How do you pronounce Opal?

It is said OH-pul /ˈoʊ.pəl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Opal making a comeback?

Yes, Opal is strongly in revival as part of the broader gemstone and Victorian name trend of the 21st century.

What is the birthstone connection?

Opal is the traditional birthstone for October, making the name particularly meaningful for October babies.