Beryl is a gemstone-derived given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word 'beryle', which itself comes from the Greek word 'beryllos'. The Greeks believed that beryls were stones that could give their owners the power of good fortune and protection against evil spirits.
The name Beryl gained popularity in the late 19th century, possibly due to the discovery of new varieties of beryl gemstones such as aquamarine and emerald. It was also likely influenced by the Victorian era's fascination with naming children after precious stones and metals.
Throughout history, Beryl has been associated with various figures. In mythology, it is said that Beryl was a servant of the goddess Hecate who could transform into a scarlet-colored bird. Additionally, there have been several notable individuals named Beryl throughout history, including British novelist Beryl Bainbridge and Canadian poet Berylanne Marie Leung.
In terms of its meaning, while Beryl does not have an explicit definition like some names, it is often associated with the qualities of gemstones: rarity, beauty, and durability. As such, people named Beryl may be seen as unique, elegant, and steadfast individuals.
Overall, Beryl is a distinctive given name with a rich history and intriguing origins. Its connection to precious stones gives it an air of timelessness and sophistication, making it a appealing choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Beryl has seen a significant decline in popularity over the past century in the United States. The name's peak in popularity occurred around the early 20th century, with the highest number of births recorded in 1918 at 268 babies named Beryl.
However, starting from the 1930s, there was a steady decrease in the number of babies named Beryl each year. By the 1950s, the number of annual births with the name Beryl began to fluctuate between 76 and 125, with no clear upward trend.
From the 1960s onwards, the popularity of the name Beryl continued to decline, with fewer than 34 births recorded annually. The lowest point in recent history was reached in 1968, with only 17 babies named Beryl that year.
More recently, the number of births with the name Beryl has remained relatively stable, ranging between 5 and 14 births per year from 2003 to 2023. Despite this stability, it is clear that the name Beryl is no longer one of the most popular choices for newborns in the United States.
In total, over the past century, there have been 10,114 babies named Beryl in the United States. While once a popular choice, the name Beryl has since fallen out of favor, with fewer parents opting to give their children this unique and distinctive name.