NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Onyx

What is the origin of the name Onyx?

The first name Onyx is derived from the name of the mineral of the same name, which is a type of banded chalcedony usually made up of quartz, agate, carnelian, or sardonyx. This mineral is known for its striking bands and layers in various shades of brown and black, resembling the onyx stone. The use of Onyx as a personal name is thought to have originated in Ancient Greece, where it was given to children born on days when agate or onyx stones were offered to the gods. In Greek mythology, the god Hermes was associated with onyx stones due to their banded patterns being likened to his caduceus, a staff entwined by two serpents. Over time, Onyx has been used as both a male and female given name in English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the name Onyx

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Onyx

The name Onyx is derived from the Latin word "onyxis," which means "fingernail" or "claw." It was given to babies born with a dark, banded appearance resembling the layers of an onyx stone. This name is also associated with the precious stone onyx, known for its alternating bands of black and white or other colors. Onyx is a unisex name, but it is more commonly used for females in Western cultures. In Greek mythology, Onyx was the name of a river nymph who had the power to change her shape. This ancient origin gives Onyx a mystical and transformative connotation. The name Onyx is believed to symbolize protection, strength, and stability. It carries an air of mystery and allure due to its connection with the enigmatic onyx stone.

Character traits associated with the name Onyx

Onyx is often associated with individuals who possess strong, distinctive personalities. They are characterized by their mysterious and enigmatic nature, much like the black and white banded gemstone that shares their name. Onyx individuals tend to be self-reliant, independent, and resourceful, preferring to rely on their own abilities rather than leaning on others. They are known for their tenacity, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity and overcoming challenges with determination. Onyx personalities also exhibit a deep sense of introspection and self-awareness, using their insights to make calculated decisions and navigate complex social dynamics. Additionally, they value loyalty, maintaining strong bonds with trusted friends and family, while being discerning in their relationships. Overall, Onyx individuals are seen as confident, independent thinkers who value authenticity and maintain a unique, intriguing presence in the world around them.

Popularity of the name Onyx

The name Onyx is not commonly used as a given name in the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration. In 2020, only 364 babies were given the name Onyx, making it rank 1,789th among boy names and 5,766th among girl names in terms of popularity that year. However, its usage has been on a gradual increase since the early 2000s, reflecting broader trends toward more unique and unconventional baby names. Onyx is most frequently given to African American boys, although it can be found among individuals of various ethnic backgrounds. The name's rising popularity can be attributed to its exotic and distinct sound, as well as its association with the rare and striking onyx stone.

Famous people with the name Onyx

Notable individuals bearing the mononym Onyx include Onyx the Fortune Teller, an American spiritualist and medium who gained prominence in the late 19th century; Onyx (rapper), born Amelia Deborah Carter, one-half of the R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo and a successful solo artist; and Onyx Nehuel, an Argentine politician who served as Minister of Security under President Mauricio Macri. Additionally, Onyx Lorenzo Collins is a fictional character from the animated series "Teen Titans Go!", notable for being one of the team's most powerful members, with the ability to transform into living stone.

Variations of the name Onyx

The name Onyx has several variants and alternative spellings, reflecting cultural differences and regional pronunciations. These include:

1. Onyks, O'Nyks, or Onix - Pronounced as "O-niks," these variations use the traditional English phonetic spelling of the name.
2. Oenix, Onex, or Oniks - These spellings, derived from other languages like Greek (Ονήξ) and Russian (Оникс), are less common but maintain the original meaning.
3. Onyxis - This is an archaic form of the name, preserving the ancient Greek suffix "-is." It can also be found in some Latin texts as Onyxīs or Onyxis.
4. OniXeS, Onixx, or Onyxx - These variations introduce additional X to emphasize the mineral's crystalline structure or to conform with a personal preference for more unique spellings.
5. Aonyx, Eonix, or Ionix - Alternative phonetic spellings that aim to mimic the pronunciation of Onyx in various dialects and languages.

While these variants may be less common than the traditional spelling of "Onyx," they all share a unique and strong identity, evoking images of strength, mystery, and the enduring beauty of the mineral itself.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Onyameba (First name)

forenames > onyameba

The first name Onyameba is of Akan origin from Ghana. It means "God is great" or "God is good" in the Akan language.

Onyka (First name)

forenames > onyka

Onyka is a variant of the name Onika, which is of African origin, specifically from Nigeria.

Onyl (First name)

forenames > onyl

The name "Onyl" does not have a well-documented origin. It does not appear to have any specific cultural or historical significance. It could potentially be a variant or alternativ...