Ebony
EB-oh-nee
Ebony is an English word name derived from the rich, deep-black tropical hardwood prized for its beauty, density, and durability. As a name it evokes strength, elegance, natural beauty, and a deep, lustrous quality. It carries particular cultural resonance in African American communities as a celebration of dark beauty and identity.
At a glance
Ebony is an English word name taken from the rare black hardwood prized across cultures for its beauty and strength. Rising to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s alongside the Black is Beautiful movement and Ebony magazine, it carries a confident, celebratory identity and a richly musical sound.
Etymology & History
Ebony comes from the English word 'ebony,' which traces through Late Latin 'ebenus' and Greek 'ebenos' to the Egyptian word 'hbny' for the dark hardwood. The name began being given to girls primarily in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the rise of Ebony magazine and broader celebrations of Black identity and beauty.
Cultural Significance
Ebony as a given name is closely linked to the cultural and political awakening of the Black is Beautiful movement in the 1970s, when names celebrating African heritage and identity gained wide appeal across African American and Black British communities. Ebony magazine, founded in Chicago in 1945, had by the 1970s become the most widely read Black publication in the world, and its cultural authority contributed significantly to the name's rise. In Britain the name followed a similar trajectory a decade later, becoming notably popular in urban communities during the 1980s. It also gained exposure through Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder's chart-topping duet 'Ebony and Ivory' in 1982, which used the name as a symbol of racial harmony. The name carries a confident femininity, its three syllables giving it a melodic rhythm, and its material associations with luxury, beauty, and endurance lend it a powerful symbolic quality. Today Ebony reads as a distinctive, purposeful name that wears its cultural heritage with pride, and it continues to be chosen by parents who value its strong, celebratory meaning.
Famous people named Ebony
Ebony Thomas
American author and literacy educator, professor at the University of Michigan, known for her work on diverse representation in children's and young adult literature.
Ebony Rainford-Brent
English cricketer and broadcaster, the first Black woman to play for the England women's cricket team and a prominent figure in promoting diversity in British sport.
Ebony magazine
Iconic American publication founded in 1945, widely credited with bringing the name Ebony into mainstream use as a given name through its cultural influence on Black identity and pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Ebony
Amber
“Fossilised resin”
Amber takes its name from the fossilised tree resin that has been prized since antiquity for its golden colour and warm translucency. The English word comes via Old French ambre from the Arabic anbar, which originally referred to ambergris. As a given name, Amber evokes warmth, natural beauty, and the golden-orange hues of autumn light.
Ivory
“Creamy white, pure elegance”
Ivory is a graceful, nature-inspired name that has been used for both girls and boys in English-speaking countries, though it leans slightly feminine in modern usage. It carries associations with luxury, smoothness, and timeless elegance, and has been particularly popular in African-American naming traditions. The name has a melodic quality and a strong visual identity.
Jade
“Precious green stone”
Jade refers to the precious green mineral used in jewellery and sculpture since antiquity. The word entered French from the Spanish piedra de la ijada, meaning stone of the flank, reflecting a belief that the stone could cure kidney ailments. Jade became one of the most fashionable girls' names in France from the late 1990s onward, valued for its brevity, vivid imagery, and modern feel. The stone itself is associated with beauty, longevity, and good fortune in many cultures.
Jewel
“Precious gem, treasured one”
Jewel is a warm, radiant name that carries a sense of preciousness and worth, often given to express how cherished a child is. It enjoyed particular use in the American South and among African American families throughout the 20th century. The name has a timeless, feminine elegance balanced by its simplicity.
Onyx
“Deep black gemstone of grounded strength”
Onyx is derived from the Greek word onux, meaning claw or fingernail, which was applied to the banded chalcedony gemstone because its layers can resemble the translucent quality of a fingernail. In modern use, onyx refers specifically to black or very dark banded stone, giving the name associations of depth, mystery, and sleek elegance. As a given name it is bold, modern, and increasingly used for both boys and girls.
Where you'll find Ebony
Ebony shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.