Girl · 28th of 27,321
Crystal
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
333,092
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1982
Peak Popularity Year
19,170
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Crystal stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Crystal originates from the Greek word 'kristallos', meaning 'frozen' or 'icy'. It has evolved through various forms in different languages, retaining its association with clarity and brilliance. The name is commonly used as a feminine given name and has gained popularity since the late 20th century. While it does not have biblical relevance, it is associated with beauty and elegance in modern culture.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkrɪs.təl/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Crystal is derived from the Greek word 'kristallos', meaning 'frozen' or 'icy'. It is often associated with the clear and sparkling nature of crystals.
Meaning
clear, brilliant, sparkling
Language Evolution
Kristallos (Greek), Cristal (Old French), Crystal (English)
Historical Usage
The name Crystal gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, as a feminine name reflecting beauty and clarity.
Variants & Derivatives
Cristal, Kristal, Krys, Kris
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Crystal is perceived as a modern and feminine name, often associated with beauty and elegance.
Famous People
Crystal Reed (actress), Crystal Gayle (singer), Crystal Renn (model)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 19,170 peak births in 1982
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 30 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6451st of 7545 | 11 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4280th of 7552 | 57 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2048th of 10718 | 334 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1719th of 16616 | 698 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10322nd of 24088 | 80 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 625th of 9107 | 2,330 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 716th of 9204 | 1,822 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 249th of 12526 | 21,864 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 48th of 19264 | 101,240 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 28th of 27321 | 168,503 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 176th of 35406 | 31,009 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 707th of 30306 | 4,885 |