Onyx Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames

Onyx is the distinct “leather jacket” of baby names: cool, dark, and undeniably tough. While historically associated with protective gemstones and ancient mythology, this name has shed its dusty museum vibes to become one of the fastest-rising stars of the 21st century. It captures the current zeitgeist perfectly, blending the nature-name trend with the “high-value Scrabble letter” trend (thanks to that ending X). It feels rugged yet sophisticated, suitable for a rock star’s child or a future CEO.

Essentially, Onyx is a name with main character energy. It commands attention without being overly complicated. Whether you are drawn to its geological roots or its sharp, modern sound, Onyx is a powerful choice.

Verdict: Onyx is a top-tier choice for 2025. It offers the perfect balance of “known but not overused,” making it an ideal pick for parents seeking a name that feels both timelessly strong and effortlessly modern.

What Does Onyx Mean?

Gemstone names remain an enduringly popular choice among today’s parents, and the name Onyx is no exception. However, unlike the bright and sparkly “Ruby” or “Pearl,” Onyx carries a darker, more grounding energy.

The word onyx comes from the Greek word “onux,” which literally translates to fingernail or claw. While this might seem like an odd meaning for a beautiful stone, it is rooted in a fascinating slice of Greek mythology involving the goddess of love.

Legend has it that Cupid mischievously used his arrowheads to clip the fingernails of his mother, Venus (Aphrodite), while she slept on the banks of the Indus River. Because no part of a divine body could be allowed to decay, the Fates gathered the clippings as they fell into the water and transformed them into stone. Thus, the black gemstone known as “Onyx” was born to immortalize the goddess’s beauty ⁽¹⁾.

Beyond the myth, the stone itself is associated with powerful metaphysical properties. It is traditionally seen as a stone of protection, willpower, and discipline.

Where Does the Name Onyx Come From?

The etymology is strictly Greek, derived from the word for claw. However, the use of Onyx as a given name is a distinctively modern, English-language phenomenon.

Historically, Onyx was known primarily as a mineral. In the ancient world, it was highly engaged in trade routes from India and South America to Rome and Greece. It holds significant historical weight in religious texts as well; the “shoham” stone mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, which adorned the breastplate of the High Priest, is widely believed to be Onyx.

Despite this ancient history, it was rarely recorded as a human name until the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It fits into the broader “mineral and nature” naming convention that gave us names like Jasper, Flint, and Amber.

How Popular is the Name Onyx?

Onyx is what onomatologists call a “rocket ship” name. According to Social Security Administration (SSA) data, the name was virtually non-existent on the charts for the majority of the 20th century. It was a rare anomaly, given to perhaps five or ten babies a year nationwide ⁽²⁾.

That changed drastically in the last decade. Onyx cracked the Top 1000 for the first time in 2018. Since then, it has leaped hundreds of spots forward, securing a place in the Top 400. This trajectory suggests it is not just a fleeting fad but a solid favorite for modern parents. It is currently much more popular for boys, though it sees occasional use for girls.

How Do I Pronounce Onyx?

Because the name begins with a vowel, regional accents can slightly alter the sound.

• Standard American: AH-niks (rhymes with “phonics”)
• Alternative American: AW-niks (with a softer ‘aw’ sound)
• British English: ON-iks (with a crisp, short ‘o’)

The emphasis is almost always placed on the first syllable.

Is Onyx a Boy or Girl Name?

Technically, as a nature and word name, Onyx is gender-neutral. Nature does not assign gender to stones. However, cultural usage has shifted it heavily toward the masculine side.

The hard consonant sounds (the sharp “O” and the ending “x”) give it a rugged feel that aligns with current trends for boy names like Maddox, Axel, and Hendrix. While you will certainly find girls named Onyx, it is currently statistically dominant as a boy’s name in the United States.

Variations of Onyx

Because Onyx is a specific English word derived from Greek, there are not many “traditional” translations. However, parents have utilized creative spellings to make the name distinct.

• Onix: This spelling is often used in Spanish-speaking communities and aligns with the Pokémon character.
• Onyxx: A stylized, modern double-x ending.
• Onex: A phonetic variation.
• Aunyx: A creative spelling utilizing an “Au” start.

Nicknames for Onyx

A short, punchy name like Onyx doesn’t strictly need a nickname, but affectionate parents often want options.

• Nyx: The most organic nickname. It also happens to be the name of the Greek goddess of the night.
• O: Simple, classic, and cool.
• Ox: Highlights the strength of the name (and the middle sound).
• Nixie: A softer, more playful option, often used for younger children or girls.
• X: Just the last letter, serving as an edgy, modern moniker.

Names Similar to Onyx

If you love the vibe of Onyx but aren’t quite ready to commit, consider these names that share a similar “mineral,” “color,” or “edgy” aesthetic.

• Jasper: Another stone name, but with a softer, vintage feel.
• Jet: Shares the deep black color association and short, punchy sound.
• Phoenix: Shares the “x” ending and the Greek mythological roots.
• Obsidian: A darker, rarer volcanic glass name for the bold parent.
• Atticus: Shares the sophisticated Greek vibe but feels more literary.
• Orion: A celestial “O” name that feels just as grand.
• Slate: Another geological name that feels gray, cool, and strong.
• Knox: Rhymes with the end of Onyx and shares that trendy X factor.

Middle Names for Onyx

Onyx is a strong, dominant name. The best middle names either ground it with tradition or enhance its nature-inspired feel.

Classic & Grounding

These traditional names balance out the modern edge of Onyx.

• Onyx James
• Onyx Alexander
• Onyx Theodore
• Onyx William
• Onyx Thomas
• Onyx Nathaniel

Edgy & Cool

Lean into the rock-star vibe with these sharp pairings.

• Onyx Blaze
• Onyx Jagger
• Onyx Phoenix
• Onyx Titan
• Onyx Wolf
• Onyx Zen

Soft & Vowel-Heavy

These names smooth out the hard consonants of Onyx.

• Onyx Elijah
• Onyx Oliver
• Onyx Avery
• Onyx Isaiah
• Onyx Elliott

Sibling Names for Onyx

If you have a little Onyx, you need sibling names that can stand up to such a strong choice.

For a Brother

• Axel: Matches the “cool kid” energy and the X sound.
• Titan: Another name with Greek roots and massive strength.
• Silas: Nature-adjacent (forest) but with a biblical history.
• Rocco: Means “rest,” but sounds like “rock,” matching the geology theme.
• Magnus: A Latin name meaning “great” that feels just as heavy and royal.

For a Sister

• Ruby: Keep the gemstone theme going, but with a classic feminine twist.
• Luna: Celestial and popular, matching Onyx’s dark/night vibe.
• Nova: An astronomical event that feels modern and explosive.
• Jade: A shorter, greener stone name that is effortlessly cool.
• Cleo: Greek origin, short, strong, and ends in a vowel.

Famous People Named Onyx

While rare in previous generations, a few notable figures, and children of celebrities, bear this name.

• Onyx Kelly: The son of Australian rapper Iggy Azalea and rapper Playboi Carti. His birth significantly boosted the name’s visibility in pop culture.
• Onyx Lorenzoni: A prominent Brazilian politician and veterinarian.
• Onyx Ace Austin: A known personality in the professional wrestling circuit (often a ring name).

Onyx in Pop Culture

Fiction writers love this name for its dark, mysterious connotations.

• Onix (Pokémon): Perhaps the most famous pop culture reference, Onix is a giant, snake-like Pokémon made entirely of boulders.
• Onyxia: A legendary dragon antagonist in the massive multiplayer game World of Warcraft.
• Onyx Adams: A character from DC Comics associated with the League of Assassins.

FAQs About the Name Onyx