What does Amethyst mean and where does it come from?
The name Amethyst derives from the Greek word 'amethystos', which means 'not intoxicated' as it was believed that the stone could protect its owner from drunkenness. It is often linked to the violet color of the quartz gemstone. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world from the 19th
Cultural significance
Amethyst has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #1243 in 2019 — currently #1166 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Amethyst?
Amethyst works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Amethyst Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Amethyst Rose
Floral · soft ending
Amethyst Mae
Sweet · timeless
Amethyst Claire
French influence · crisp
Amethyst Jane
Literary · strong
Amethyst Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Amethyst right now?
Falling — down 97 spots — currently #1166 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1166 | 206 | ▼ down 97 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #1069 | 235 | ▲ up 73 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1142 | 215 | ▲ up 103 · +19% births |
| 2020 | #1245 | 181 | ▲ up 440 · +44% births |
| 2015 | #1685 | 126 | ▲ up 1128 · +103% births |
| 2010 | #2813 | 62 | ▼ down 486 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #2327 | 77 | ▼ down 505 · -19% births |
| 2000 | #1822 | 95 | ▼ down 144 · +8% births |
| 1995 | #1678 | 88 | ▲ up 197 · +16% births |
| 1990 | #1875 | 76 | ▲ up 1040 · +138% births |
| 1985 | #2915 | 32 | ▲ up 774 · +45% births |
| 1980 | #3689 | 22 | ▲ up 228 · +29% births |
| 1975 | #3917 | 17 | — |
The story of Amethyst
Amethyst is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 3,534 total births recorded, Amethyst remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3917 in 1975 to #1166 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Amethyst in 2019:
Amethyst by decade
Amethyst peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 100 | |
| 1980s | 345 | |
| 1990s | 897 | |
| 2000s | 833 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,162 | |
| 2020s | 181 | |
💎With 3,534 total births, Amethyst is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Amethyst?
What names sound and feel like Amethyst?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Amethyst also consider these
Common questions about the name Amethyst
What does the name Amethyst mean?
Amethyst means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Amethyst?
Amethyst is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Amethyst have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Amethyst?
Amethyst originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Amethyst?
Amethyst is a three-syllable name pronounced AE1 M IH0 TH IH0 S T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Amethyst?
Amethyst pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.