Ebony
First Name Meaning, Usage, Popularity & Related Names
Ebony is an English name meaning “deep black wood”. It is a common name, overwhelmingly used for girls, with 99.89% female usage.
Meaning & Origin of the name Ebony
Ebony is a name of English origin, taken directly from the name of the dense, dark wood used in fine cabinetry. The term itself traces back through Middle English and Old French (French) to the Egyptian (African) word hbny, referring to the prized hardwood. As a given name, it emerged in modern times as a word name, gaining cultural resonance through its association with the dark, rich aesthetic of the material.
Meaning Comments
- Sweet_sissi: The English word Ebony derives from the ancient Greek word "Ebenos", of unknown etymology. Perhaps related to the ancient Egyptian word "Hbnj".
- Purestr_l0l: I know someone named Ebony and she named her baby girl Ivory. I thought that was cute. Ha.
- Hgdfhlkrhopj: Ebony is a gorgeous name, in my opinion. I think it would suit any race beautifully. I don't think it sounds “ghetto”, although I wouldn't mind if it did because I don't associate that word with anything negative at all. I also love the Ebony color; it's beautiful. Overall, I think Ebony is a wonderful name. If it is your name, I hope you take deep pride in it because it truly is lovely, just like you.
Gender Usage of the Name Ebony
Overall Gender Classification Methodology
Ebony is overwhelmingly used as a name for girls. Approximately 99.89% of recorded bearers are female. This classification is supported by extensive records and is considered highly reliable.
Popularity of the Name Ebony
Note: Green bars show popularity (% of births); the violet line shows historical ranking. Data is based on official government birth records. Click any chart to view details by year and region.
Overall PopularityMethodology
Ebony is listed under Common Girl Names worldwide. Its popularity is relatively consistent across the available regional markets.
| Region | Popularity | Birth Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Common | 1 in every 27K births |
| United Kingdom | Popular | 1 in every 2.7K births |
| Canada | Common | 1 in every 131K births |
| Australia | Popular | 1 in every 3.1K births |
Ranking OverviewMethodology
Ebony ranked #1,344 on the Popular Girls’ Names Worldwide List (2025). It rose from #2,472 in 2024 — an improvement of 1,128 places. Ebony is uncommon in official lists but appears occasionally.
Historically, its best recorded position was #85 in 2003. Its lowest recorded position was #4,864 in 2022. Over the last 5 years (2020–2025) the name rose 657 places (from #2,001 to #1,344).
Name StyleMethodology
Ebony is classified as Vintage Girl Names because its historical peak was 1982, followed by a decline to 0.53% of that peak and a recent recovery to 5.1x the preceding level.Explain More
Although the name also meets the Classic criteria, the Vintage pattern is more strongly supported: a decline to 0.53% of the historical peak followed by a 5.1x recent recovery. The competing Classic pattern is supported by activity across 49% of available years and continued recent use at 207 births per year, giving the selected Style an evidence margin of 26 percentage points.
Characteristics of the Name Ebony
Pronunciation & StructureMethodology
- Phonetic Source
- CMU
- Syllables
- 3 syllables — Three-Syllable Girl Names
- Length
- 5 letters — Medium-Length Girl Names
- Starts with
- E — Girl Names Starting with E
- Ends with
- y — Girl Names Ending in “y”
Name AestheticMethodology
Ebony uses three syllables with a descending stress pattern that gives the name an intentional, decisive quality. It gained significant visibility as the title of the influential Ebony magazine founded by John H. Johnson. The name projects a Sleek & Modern aesthetic.
Middle Names For Ebony
Middle names used with EbonyMethodology
Ebony is most frequently used with these girl middle names: Ebony Nicole · Ebony Monique · Ebony Marie · Ebony Danielle · Ebony DeniseView all 774 girl middle names.
- Total 952 middle names used with Ebony
- 37 boy middle names used with Ebony
- 90 unisex middle names used with Ebony
Middle name suggestions for EbonyMethodology
Based on observed first-middle-name pattern combinations, Ebony is most frequently associated with girl middle names that have Strong stress pattern, 5 letters, and a starting sound of “l”.
Examples: Ebony Leigh · Ebony Lynne · Ebony Lynch · Ebony Laine · Ebony Leach. View all 82 suggested middle names.
Associations of the Name Ebony
Flower AssociationsMethodology
As one of the Flower-Inspired Girl Names, Ebony appears as part of the common names of 4 flower species, including:
- Ebony (Trochetiopsis ebenus Cronk) — Malvaceae
- St Helena Ebony Tree (Trochetiopsis melanoxylon (Sol. ex Sims) Marais) — Malvaceae
Tree AssociationsMethodology
The name Ebony, one of the Tree-Inspired Girl Names, appears as part of the common names of 50 plant species, including:
- Ebony (Diospyros ebenum J.Koenig ex Retz.) — Ebenaceae
- Ebony, Persimmon (Diospyros L.) — Ebenaceae
Additional Natural MatchesMethodology
The complete dataset includes 81 biological records matching the name Ebony. Browse all matching records with their scientific names and taxonomic details.
Names Similar to Ebony
Sound Like Ebony Finder
Names with the exact same overall pronunciation and sound: Eboni · Ebonie · Ebonee · View all 15 names
Spelled Like Ebony Finder
Names with similar spelling patterns and letter sequences: Eboney · Ebbony · Ebonny · View all 6 names
Same Starting Sound Finder
Names that begin with a similar phonetic sound: Emily · Emma · Evelyn · View all Top 100 names
Rhymes With Ebony Finder
Names that share similar ending sounds and rhymes: Mary · Dorothy · Emily · View all Top 100 names
Same Rhythm & Syllables Finder
Names with matching syllable stress and pronunciation rhythm: Jennifer · Barbara · Margaret · View all Top 100 names
Dictionary & Etymology of “Ebony”
Dictionary Meaning of "Ebony"Methodology
A female given name from English
A stereotypical African-American woman
More Info
How to Spell Ebony in ASL
- E
- b
- o
- n
- y
Comments on the name Ebony
Community CommentsShowing 5 of 24 comments
Gtc_fpz4ogtm
My name is Ebony-leigh and I am white I don't think when people hear my name they automatically assume I'm black because of the name- it's a name it isn't my race or ethnicity it's a name it doesn't describe who I am.
Fisherboy415
The name Ebony was given to 56 girls born in the US in 2015.
Trigun_1011
I think associating the name Ebony with black people is an American thing (for the African Americans), I'm white Australian and never been bullied etc. In fact, I've gotten soo many compliments over the years on how beautiful my name sounds, how it suits me etc. I like my name and wouldn't change it, it was an uncommon name around when I was born but seems to be more popular now.
Ambience8481
In Australia, where Ebony is currently a popular name, it is most often used by white parents.
Asgarddig482
Ebony G. Patterson is a Jamaican-born visual artist and educator. She is known for her large and colorful tapestries created out of various materials such as, glitter, sequins, fabric, toys, beads, faux flowers, jewelry, and other embellishments. Her "Gangstas for Life series" of dancehall portraits, and her garden-inspired installations.