Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Onyx
BoyGreek· “claw, fingernail; the gemstone”
- Meaning
- claw, fingernail; the gemstone
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- AH-niks
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #365
- US babies 2025
- 881
- Best rank
- #307 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Onyx
Onyx is a Greek name that means “claw, fingernail; the gemstone”.
Onyx comes from the Greek onux, meaning fingernail or claw. Ancient writers applied the word to banded stone because its pale and darker layers recall the look of a fingernail. Mineralogically, onyx is a banded form of chalcedony, a type of quartz, and much of the black stone sold as onyx today is dyed. In the Book of Exodus, two onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel are set on the shoulders of the high priest's garment, and the stone was long prized for cameos and seals. As a given name, Onyx is a recent choice for both boys and girls.
Popularity over time
Onyx first appears in US Social Security records in 1990. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 2018. Its best national rank was #307 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,079 babies. In 2025, 881 babies were named Onyx, and it ranked #365 nationally. That is 628% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,879 in 2000, #2,230 in 2010, and #365 in 2025. Of the 6,849 US boys named Onyx since records began, 74% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,431 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Leonel, Briggs, Cairo, Ali, and Zyaire.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Onyx ranked highest in Nevada, South Carolina, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #198 | 16 |
| South Carolina | #240 | 24 |
| Ohio | #243 | 52 |
| North Dakota | #254 | 5 |
| Oregon | #256 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 81% of US babies named Onyx over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Onyx is usually pronounced AH-niks, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with O and ends in “-yx”.
Middle names for Onyx
A few middle names that flow with Onyx: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Onyx
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Lists that include Onyx
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Onyx mean?
Onyx is a Greek name that means “claw, fingernail; the gemstone”.
What is the origin of the name Onyx?
Onyx has Greek roots. Onyx comes from the Greek onux, meaning fingernail or claw.
Is Onyx a popular name?
Yes. Onyx ranked #365 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Onyx a boy or girl name?
Onyx is mainly a boy's name. About 81% of US babies named Onyx over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Onyx?
Onyx is usually pronounced AH-niks. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings