Indigo vs Onyx

Indigo is a Greek baby name meaning A name referring to the deep, rich blue-violet dye traditionally derived from the Indigofera plant, while Onyx is a Greek baby name meaning The name refers to the layered gemstone and literally translates to 'fingernail' or 'claw'. Onyx is the shorter of the two at 2 syllables.

Indigo

/IN-dih-go/

Meaning
A name referring to the deep, rich blue-violet dye traditionally derived from the Indigofera plant.
Origin
Greek
Gender
Unisex
Syllables
3
Letters
6
Nicknames
Indy, Indie, Indiggo, Indygo, Indigo-Rose
Loved
0 times

The name is derived from the Greek word 'indikon', which literally translates to 'substance from India'. This refers to the ancient source of the dye, which was a highly prized commodity in the Roman and Greek worlds. As a color name, it occupies the spectrum between blue and violet, gaining popularity as a first name alongside other botanical and color names in the late 20th century.

Full Indigo name page

Onyx

/AH-niks/

Meaning
The name refers to the layered gemstone and literally translates to 'fingernail' or 'claw'.
Origin
Greek
Gender
Unisex
Syllables
2
Letters
4
Nicknames
Onix, Onnyx, Onyxx, Onice, Nyx
Loved
0 times

The name is derived from the Greek word 'onux', which was used to describe both the gemstone and the human fingernail due to their similar appearance and luster. In Greek mythology, the stone was said to have formed from the fingernail clippings of the goddess Venus that fell into the Indus River. It has historically been used to symbolize protection, strength, and grounding across various ancient civilizations.

Full Onyx name page

How to choose between Indigo and Onyx

  • Sound: Indigo runs to 3 syllables (/IN-dih-go/) and Onyx to 2 (/AH-niks/). Onyx pairs more easily with a longer surname.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Greek background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Indigo shortens to Indy, Indie, Indiggo. Onyx shortens to Onix, Onnyx, Onyxx.
  • Usage today: While historically rare, Indigo has become a fashionable, creative choice in English-speaking countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is often associated with the 'Indigo Children' concept and artistic subcultures. While historically rare as a given name, it has gained significant traction in the 21st century in English-speaking countries as a bold, gender-neutral nature name.

Indigo vs Onyx: common questions

Is Indigo or Onyx easier to pronounce?
Indigo is said /IN-dih-go/ with 3 syllables, while Onyx is said /AH-niks/ with 2 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Indigo and Onyx?
Indigo means A name referring to the deep, rich blue-violet dye traditionally derived from the Indigofera plant. Onyx means The name refers to the layered gemstone and literally translates to 'fingernail' or 'claw'.
Which is more popular, Indigo or Onyx?
Indigo and Onyx are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).