Origin and Meaning of Ebony

Deep black wood; Dark black

Origin: English - Derived from the word 'ebony,' which refers to a dense black hardwood native to tropical regions, emphasizing the name's association with the color black.

• The name Ebony gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in the African American community, reflecting beauty and richness.
• Ebony wood is prized for its dark color and has been used in various cultures for fine furniture and musical instruments, symbolizing elegance and prestige.
• Notable bearers of the name include Ebony magazine, which has been a significant publication in celebrating African American culture and achievements since 1945.
• The name Ebony experienced peak popularity in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s and has since seen a gradual decline in usage.
• Variants of the name include Ebon, Eboni, and Ebonie, all of which maintain a similar thematic connection to darkness and elegance.