Ebony is a unique and distinctive given name of African origin. It is derived from the word "ebon," which means black or dark in color. In West Africa, particularly among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Ebony has been traditionally used as a female name to signify beauty and elegance. The name is also associated with the ebony tree, known for its rich, dark wood.
The use of Ebony as a given name outside of Africa can be traced back to the late 19th century when it began appearing in birth records in the United States. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that Ebony started gaining popularity worldwide. Today, while still relatively rare, Ebony is recognized as an attractive and meaningful name choice among parents who appreciate its cultural roots and unique sound.
In literature and popular culture, there are a few notable references to the name Ebony. For instance, it was used in Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved" as one of the names given by the character Sethe to her daughter. Additionally, Ebony magazine is an iconic publication focusing on African American culture and lifestyle, which has further popularized this beautiful name.
Overall, Ebony is a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive, meaningful, and culturally rich name for their child. Its origins trace back to Africa, where it signifies beauty and elegance, while its unique sound makes it stand out among traditional names.
The statistics provided indicate the annual number of births with the name Ebony in the United States from 1971 to 2008. The data shows fluctuations over these years, with some peak periods and others where the name was less popular.
In the early years, from 1971 to 1985, there were consistently more than 10 births each year. The highest number during this period occurred in 1982, with 36 births. However, after 1985, the popularity of the name Ebony began to decline.
From 1986 onwards, the annual birth count was generally lower than before. There were only two years (1989 and 1990) where more than 20 babies named Ebony were born. The lowest points occurred in 1991 with 8 births, 1995 with 7 births, and again in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 with 6 or fewer births each year.
Despite the fluctuations, over this period of nearly four decades (37 years), there were a total of 455 babies named Ebony born in the United States. This data provides insight into the trends and popularity of the name Ebony among parents during this time frame.