What does Ivory mean and where does it come from?
Ivory is derived from the English term for the hard, white material sometimes used in art and design. It is often associated with purity and elegance. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries and can evoke images of beauty and grace. However, there are ethical concerns today regarding
Cultural significance
Ivory has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #573 in 2019 — currently #520 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ivory?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ivory?
Ivory works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ivory Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ivory Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ivory Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ivory Claire
French influence · crisp
Ivory Jane
Literary · strong
Ivory Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ivory right now?
Holding steady — currently #520 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #520 | 585 | ▲ up 1 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #521 | 598 | ▲ up 45 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #566 | 538 | ▲ up 33 · +12% births |
| 2020 | #599 | 481 | ▲ up 121 · +22% births |
| 2015 | #720 | 394 | ▲ up 1049 · +240% births |
| 2010 | #1769 | 116 | ▼ down 327 · -21% births |
| 2005 | #1442 | 147 | ▼ down 55 · +10% births |
| 2000 | #1387 | 134 | ▲ up 242 · +47% births |
| 1995 | #1629 | 91 | ▼ down 320 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #1309 | 124 | ▼ down 226 · -7% births |
| 1985 | #1083 | 134 | ▲ up 500 · +84% births |
| 1980 | #1583 | 73 | ▲ up 984 · +143% births |
| 1975 | #2567 | 30 | ▼ down 251 · -9% births |
| 1970 | #2316 | 33 | ▼ down 19 · +22% births |
| 1965 | #2297 | 27 | — |
The story of Ivory
Ivory has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. A total of 19,620 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1124 in 1890 to #520 in 2023. Ivory is used for both genders: 57% female and 43% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ivory in 2019:
Ivory by decade
Ivory peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 84 | |
| 1890s | 187 | |
| 1900s | 382 | |
| 1910s | 936 | |
| 1920s | 1,335 | |
| 1930s | 1,225 | |
| 1940s | 1,502 | |
| 1950s | 2,039 | |
| 1960s | 1,280 | |
| 1970s | 1,125 | |
| 1980s | 1,877 | |
| 1990s | 1,660 | |
| 2000s | 1,636 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,836 | |
| 2020s | 516 | |
What are good nicknames for Ivory?
What names sound and feel like Ivory?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ivory also consider these
Common questions about the name Ivory
What does the name Ivory mean?
Ivory means "English" — a name rooted in English 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 Ivory?
Ivory is currently ranked #520 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ivory have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ivory?
Ivory originates from English tradition. English 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 Ivory?
Ivory is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 V ER0 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ivory trending right now?
Ivory is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.