What does Ebony mean and where does it come from?
Ebony is derived from the dense black hardwood, which comes from certain trees, like Diospyros. The name has been popular in the African American community since the late 20th century and has connotations of beauty, elegance, and strength. Notable figures such as African American authors and musicia
Cultural significance
Ebony has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark, black wood.
Peak popularity
Reached #132 in 1982 — currently #1886 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ebony?
Ebony works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ebony Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ebony Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ebony Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ebony Claire
French influence · crisp
Ebony Jane
Literary · strong
Ebony Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ebony right now?
Holding steady — currently #1886 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1886 | 314 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #1891 | 294 | ▲ up 5 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #1896 | 264 | ▲ up 2749 · +843% births |
| 2020 | #4645 | 28 | ▼ down 1616 · -50% births |
| 2015 | #3029 | 56 | ▼ down 1280 · -53% births |
| 2010 | #1749 | 119 | ▼ down 790 · -54% births |
| 2005 | #959 | 257 | ▼ down 406 · -46% births |
| 2000 | #553 | 474 | ▼ down 247 · -48% births |
| 1995 | #306 | 907 | ▼ down 119 · -42% births |
| 1990 | #187 | 1,566 | ▼ down 27 · -12% births |
| 1985 | #160 | 1,787 | ▲ up 15 · +13% births |
| 1980 | #175 | 1,581 | ▲ up 178 · +157% births |
| 1975 | #353 | 616 | ▲ up 1344 · +1020% births |
| 1970 | #1697 | 55 | ▲ up 3564 · +817% births |
| 1950 | #5261 | 6 | — |
The story of Ebony
Ebony entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. A total of 39,317 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5261 in 1950 to #1886 in 2023. Ebony is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ebony in 1982:
Ebony by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 60 | |
| 1970s | 6,864 | |
| 1980s ★ | 18,464 | |
| 1990s | 10,234 | |
| 2000s | 2,926 | |
| 2010s | 735 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
What are good nicknames for Ebony?
What names sound and feel like Ebony?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ebony also consider these
Common questions about the name Ebony
What does the name Ebony mean?
Ebony means "dark, black wood" — a name rooted in American 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 Ebony?
Ebony is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ebony?
Ebony originates from American tradition. American 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 Ebony?
Ebony is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 B AH0 N IY0. 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 Ebony?
Ebony pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.