Onyx

♀ Girl

Pronounced ON-iks /ˈɒn.ɪks/High

Meaning: Black gemstone; from Greek onyx (fingernail, claw — the stone's layers resemble a fingernail)High

In 30 seconds: A Greek gem name meaning 'black' — from onyx (fingernail, because the stone's layered bands resemble a fingernail's edge). One of the boldest gem names in use, Onyx is edgy, dark, and beautiful.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningBlack gemstone; from Greek onyx (fingernail, claw — the stone's layers resemble a fingernail)

U.S. rank (2025)#1410 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births155 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,782

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Onyx comes from Greek onyx (fingernail, claw), referring to the stone's layered bands that resemble fingernail material. As a gem name it has been used for protection and strength since antiquity. As a given name it is a modern American dark-gem choice.

Onyx ranked #1248 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that onyx was formed from the clippings of Venus's fingernails that fell into the Indus River — which is why the Greek word for fingernail (onyx) became the stone's name. So Onyx is literally named for a goddess's fingernails.

Overall data confidence 94%

Behind the Name — Onyx — Greek etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Onyxe

Nicknames

Onnie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Onyx…

Raven— dark nature name with the same edgy appeal

Jade— gem name in the same green/dark stone tradition

Ruby— red gem name in the same precious stone naming tradition

Opal— iridescent gem name with the same gemstone character

Explore names like Onyx

By themegreek two-syllable bold gemstone dark

By meaningRock / Stone

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Onyx mean?

Onyx means 'fingernail' in Greek (onyx), referring to the banded stone whose layers resemble a fingernail.

How do you pronounce Onyx?

It's said ON-iks — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Onyx a boy or girl name?

Onyx is used primarily as a girls' name.

How popular is Onyx?

Onyx ranked #1248 for U.S. girls in 2024.