Onyx Name Meaning, Origin, Pronunciation & Popularity

Onyx is a striking, bold unisex name of Greek origin meaning “claw,” “fingernail,” or “black gemstone.” Known historically as a protective and grounding gemstone, Onyx has surged in popularity across the United States as a sleek, modern choice that carries an edgy yet refined appeal.

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Onyx Name Meaning at a Glance

Detail	Information
Name	Onyx
Gender	Unisex (Boy / Girl)
Origin	Greek
Meaning	Claw / Fingernail / Black Gemstone
Pronunciation	ON-iks (/ˈɒn.ɪks/)
Syllables	2
US Popularity Rank	#365
Related Names	Jet, Jasper, Flint, Onyxa, Nix
Common Nicknames	Nyx, Ony, Nix, O

The Bump Ranking

• Overall: Onyx is currently #785 on The Bump
• Boy: Onyx is currently #512 on The Bump Boy Names
• Girl: Onyx is currently #890 on The Bump Girl Names

U.S. Births

• Overall: Onyx is currently #510 in U.S. births
• Boy: Onyx is currently #365 in U.S. births
• Girl: Onyx is currently #820 in U.S. births
• Yearly Ranking Change: Year 2025

Popularity Trend Chart

  U.S. Boy/Unisex Name Rank Trend (2020–2026)

 2020: #660

  2022: #480

  2024: #390

  2025: #365 

  2026: #350

What Does the Name Onyx Mean?

The name Onyx carries rich geological and mythical interpretations:

Greek Roots: Derived from the ancient Greek word ónyx (ὄνυξ), meaning “claw” or “fingernail.” Mythologically, the gemstone was said to have been created when Cupid clipped Venus’s fingernails with an arrow, which then turned to stone upon falling into the sacred waters.

Gemstone Symbolism: The gemstone itself is traditionally associated with strength, grounding energy, protection, and endurance.

Combined, Onyx represents “strength, protection, and enduring beauty,” making it a powerful choice for parents seeking a name with bold presence.

Onyx Name Origin

Onyx originated in ancient Greece and entered the English naming lexicon via Latin and Old French. Historically used to designate the layered chalcedony mineral, Onyx transitioned into a given name in modern North America as part of the rising trend for rare nature, mineral, and color-inspired names.

Is Onyx a Biblical Name?

Yes, Onyx is mentioned in the Bible. The onyx stone is listed as one of the precious minerals in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:12). It was also embedded in the priestly breastplate of Aaron and engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9–12).

How Do You Pronounce Onyx?

Onyx is pronounced:

ON-iks

Phonetic spelling: /ˈɒn.ɪks/

Syllable count: 2 syllables

Emphasis: Placed on the first syllable (ON)

Common Nicknames for Onyx

• Nyx
• Nix
• Ony
• O

Onyx Name Variations

Onix — Simplified modern spelling

Onyxa — Elaborate feminine variation

Onixia — Stylized Latinate form

Famous People Named Onyx

• Onyx Cole: Son of model and television personality Iggy Azalea and Playboi Carti.
• Onyx Ice Cole: Daughter of television host Nick Cannon and LaTisha Shannon.

Onyx in Pop Culture

• Music: Onyx, the legendary American hardcore hip-hop group formed in Queens, New York.
• Video Games & Comics: Featured prominently as a character, item, or power symbol across numerous gaming universes, including Pokémon (Onix).

Parents Who Like the Name Onyx Also Like:

• Phoenix
• Jasper
• Axel
• Koa
• Rowan
• Kai
• River
• Atlas

Names Like Onyx

Unisex & Gender-Neutral Names With a Similar Style

• Phoenix
• River
• Indigo
• Sage
• Orion

Mineral & Gemstone-Inspired Names

• Jasper
• Jet
• Flint
• Opal
• Jade

Choosing a Middle Name for Onyx

Middle Name Ideas

• Onyx Alexander
• Onyx James
• Onyx Elijah
• Onyx Xavier
• Onyx Rose
• Onyx Grace
• Onyx Nicole
• Onyx Jude

Naming a Sibling for Onyx?

Sister Names for Onyx

• Ivy
• Raven
• Winter
• Nova
• Hazel

Brother Names for Onyx

• Axel
• Orion
• Zane
• Jasper
• Wilder

Baby Name Lists Including Onyx

• Cool & Edgy Gemstone Baby Names
• Modern Unisex Names Ending in X
• Precious Biblical Stones and Minerals

Baby Name Lists That Include Name Onyx

• Top Modern Unisex Names of the 2020s
• Unique 2-Syllable Baby Names with Strong Meanings
• Nature and Rock-Inspired Baby Names

Baby Names A-Z

[ A ]	[ B ]	[ C ]	[ D ]	[ E ]	[ F ]	[ G ]	[ H ]	[ I ]	[ J ]
[ K ]	[ L ]	[ M ]	[ N ]	[ O ]	[ P ]	[ Q ]	[ R ]	[ S ]	[ T ]
[ U ]	[ V ]	[ W ]	[ X ]	[ Y ]	[ Z ]

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Starting Letter: O

Style: Modern / Gemstone / Edgy

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Frequently Asked Questions About Onyx

What does the name Onyx mean?

Onyx is a Greek name meaning “claw,” “fingernail,” or “black gemstone.”

Is Onyx a boy or girl name?

Onyx is a versatile unisex name, though it currently ranks higher on U.S. charts for boys.

How do you pronounce Onyx?

It is pronounced ON-iks (/ˈɒn.ɪks/), with stress on the first syllable.