The 10 Most Popular Names Inspired by Precious Gemstones

With countless options out there, picking a name for your baby can feel a little overwhelming. But what if you could narrow the field by drawing inspiration from something both beautiful and meaningful? Gemstones, with their rich colors, unique properties, and powerful symbolism, offer a treasure trove of potential baby names.

In light of this, we’ve analyzed the most popular baby names in the U.S. to reveal how many are inspired by gemstones, and which gems are making their way into American hearts (and birth certificates) the most often.

The 10 most popular gemstone-inspired baby names in the U.S.

Ruby reigns supreme as the most popular gemstone-inspired name in the U.S. From 2010 to 2022, there were 43,949 babies named Ruby. This name hit peak popularity in the first half of the 20th century before falling out of fashion but has seen a revival in recent years among Gen Alpha babies.

The name’s association with the fiery red gem, symbolizing passion and prosperity, might contribute to its popularity. Perhaps parents are drawn to its vintage charm with a modern feel, giving their daughter a name that’s both beautiful and strong.

In second place is Jasper, with 26,586 Gen Alpha babies named this between 2010 and 2022, followed by Amber with 11,743. 

Pearl comes in fourth place. Like Ruby, Pearl’s popularity peaked earlier in the 20th century, but it has seen a rise in recent years with 5,271 babies named this over the 12-year period leading up to 2022. The name evokes a sense of elegance and purity, mirroring the classic gemstone it’s named after.

Other popular gemstone names among the top 10 are Opal, given to 2,674 babies, Diamond (1,872), Emerald (1,473), and Sapphire (300). Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire have all experienced a huge jump in popularity since 1997, possibly due to their association with luxury, strength, and vibrant colors.

Amber has seen a 7,623% jump in popularity since the post-war generation

Amber (associated with warmth, healing, and energy) has experienced the biggest surge in popularity among gemstone-inspired names. Just 927 U.S. babies were named Amber from 1929 to 1954, but a huge 71,641 were given the name from 1997 to 2022. That’s a 7,623% jump in popularity between the post-war generation and Generations Z and Alpha.

For boys, Jasper has experienced the most growth since the post-war generation, rising in popularity by 460%. The name Onyx has also gained favor for baby boys in recent years, growing by 260% since 2018. Jasper is associated with strength and grounding, while Onyx symbolizes protection and determination — qualities many parents might seek for their sons.

Beryl is dying out as a baby name, with zero registered in Gen Z or Gen Alpha

Beryl was once a popular gem-inspired name between the 1920s and 1950s, with 3,619 American babies named Beryl during this time. However, the name has since seen a massive decline in popularity, with zero registered babies given the name since 1997.

Interestingly, the two most common varieties of beryl, aquamarine and emerald, have fared much better, with the latter ranking among the top 10 most popular gemstone names for Gen Alpha. Aquamarine, with its calming light blue tones, is associated with tranquility, peace, and hope. Meanwhile, emerald, a vibrant green gemstone, symbolizes growth and love. Perhaps these specific meanings hold more appeal to modern parents than the broader “Beryl.”

Despite remaining one of the world’s favorite gems, Diamond is also losing favor as a baby name. 2,160 babies were named Diamond in 1999, but only 308 were given the name in 2014, marking an 86% decrease.

Tips for choosing the perfect gemstone name for your baby

Emily Pearl Shultz, Director of Fashion Merchandising at Shane Co.:

“Choosing a gemstone-inspired name for your baby is like finding the perfect gem for a piece of jewelry. It’s a reflection of your love, a symbol of their individuality, and something beautiful they’ll carry with them forever.”

Here are a few top tips for choosing the perfect gemstone-inspired name:

• Reflect your love: Pick a gemstone with meaning that resonates with your feelings for your child.
• Celebrate individuality: Consider the unique qualities of the gemstone and how they might represent your baby’s personality.
• Timeless beauty: Choose a name you find beautiful and classic, something your child will cherish throughout their life.

“With a passion for sourcing the most exquisite diamonds and vibrant gemstones in a rainbow of colors, Shane Co. understands the precious nature of gemstones and offers an extensive selection to honor those special moments in life. Each gemstone is hand-selected for vibrancy, color, and unique beauty, so you get a stone that’s truly rare and special — just like your loved one.”

Methodology

Using a seed list of 315 popular gemstones, Shane Co. analyzed government data revealing the number of babies born in the U.S. who were given each name over the years. All names are from Social Security card applications for births that occurred in the United States in those years.