Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (11 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 11 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
58.86% 2050th/3483 |
- |
49.95% 2020th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
- |
41.97% 2180th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.07% 384th/2937 |
10.62% 370th/3483 |
10.86% 382nd/3518 |
14.34% 580th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
5.81% 214th/3685 |
3.66% 164th/4475 |
2.68% 139th/5194 |
6.36% 402nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.72% 995th/4582 |
16.91% 873rd/5164 |
8.79% 643rd/7313 |
14.59% 1089th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
87.74% 3937th/4487 |
48.40% 3302nd/6822 |
54.80% 3439th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in District of Columbia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2844th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3646th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15886th out of 24088 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 11867th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 416th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 192nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 811th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3388th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.