Girl · 192nd of 27,321
Ebony
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
39,430
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1982
Peak Popularity Year
2,315
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Ebony 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 'Ebony' has Greek origins, meaning 'dark wood,' and has evolved from 'ebenos' through Middle English to its current form. It is often associated with beauty and strength, particularly in African American culture. There is no biblical relevance, and it has gained popularity in recent decades. Variants include Ebon and Ebonie, and it is perceived positively today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛbəni/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name 'Ebony' is derived from the Greek word 'ebenos,' which refers to the dark, dense wood of the ebony tree. The term has been used in English since the late 14th century.
Meaning
dark wood
Language Evolution
ebenos (Greek), ebon (Middle English), ebony (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Ebony gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in African American communities, as it symbolizes beauty and strength.
Variants & Derivatives
Ebon, Ebonyne, Ebonie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Ebony is often associated with elegance and sophistication, carrying a positive connotation.
Famous People
Ebony Bones (musician), Ebony Smith (author), Ebony Day (singer)
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:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,315 peak births in 1982
Geographic Spread
Popular across 40 US states, with strongest presence in District of Columbia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 11 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 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2844th of 10718 | 198 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3646th of 16616 | 231 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 15886th of 24088 | 26 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 11867th of 12526 | 6 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 416th of 19264 | 8,328 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 192nd of 27321 | 24,990 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 811th of 35406 | 5,088 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3388th of 30306 | 563 |