Opal
OH-PUL
Opal is a name derived from the precious gemstone, which takes its name from Sanskrit 'upala' meaning precious stone, via Latin 'opalus'. The opal is famed for its extraordinary play of colour, displaying the entire spectrum of light within its shifting depths. As a name it evokes rare beauty, luminosity, and a captivating inner radiance. The name flourished in the Victorian and Edwardian eras and is currently enjoying a spirited revival.
At a glance
A luminous vintage gemstone name with Victorian roots, currently rising in popularity as part of the revival of nature and gem names.
Etymology & History
The name Opal traces back through English and Latin to the Sanskrit word 'upala', meaning precious stone. The gemstone itself was prized by the Romans, who called it 'opalus' and considered it the luckiest of all gems because it contained the colours of every other precious stone. The name was adopted into the English given name tradition in the 19th century alongside other gemstone and nature names such as Ruby, Pearl, and Coral.
Cultural Significance
Opal emerged as a given name during the Victorian era's fashion for gemstone names, reflecting the period's love of nature, sentimentality, and rich symbolism. The opal is the birthstone for October, connecting the name to autumn and transformation. In Australian culture, the opal holds particular national significance as one of the country's most celebrated natural treasures, mined in the outback. The name's current revival places it alongside other vintage botanical and gemstone names trending among parents who favour distinctive yet familiar choices.
Famous people named Opal
Opal Whiteley
American diarist and nature writer whose extraordinary childhood diary was published to international acclaim
Opal Tometi
American activist and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Opal
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.
Gemma
“Precious gemstone, sparkling jewel”
Gemma derives from the Latin gemma, which originally meant bud on a plant before extending its meaning to precious stone or jewel. The metaphor of a person as a precious gem, rare and valuable, beautiful and enduring, makes this a name with layered natural and material resonance. Gemma Donati was the wife of the poet Dante Alighieri, lending the name particular literary prestige.
Goldie
“Bright and golden”
Goldie is a sunny, affectionate name that radiates warmth and a golden brightness, sitting within the tradition of virtue and nature names popular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It has a vintage charm that has made it fashionable again in the 21st century, particularly in the UK, alongside names like Pearl and Ruby. The name carries a naturally cheerful, optimistic energy and has been made culturally vivid by actress Goldie Hawn.
Iris
“Rainbow, messenger of the gods”
In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a swift messenger between the gods and mortals, her presence marked by the arc of colour that crossed the sky. The name also connects to the iris flower, whose petals span a remarkable range of colours, and to the iris of the eye, that vivid ring of colour unique to every individual. Carrying three distinct layers of meaning, colour, nature, and vision, Iris is a name of exceptional richness.
Pearl
“Precious gem”
Pearl takes its name directly from the lustrous gemstone formed within molluscs, long prized for its natural, understated beauty. As a given name it became fashionable in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when jewel names such as Ruby, Opal, and Beryl were all in vogue. After a long period of decline, Pearl has made a confident and charming comeback, appealing to parents seeking vintage names with warmth and substance. The name carries a sense of quiet elegance, natural rarity, and enduring value.
Ruby
“Red precious stone”
Ruby takes its name directly from the gemstone, itself derived from the Latin rubeus, meaning red. As one of the four precious stones, the ruby has been associated throughout history with passion, vitality, protection, and wealth. The name carries all of these connotations, suggesting a child who is vivid, warm-hearted, and precious. In the Victorian era, gemstone names became fashionable as a way of conveying both beauty and value, and Ruby emerged as one of the most enduring of these.
Where you'll find Opal
Opal shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.