Ebony is a female given name derived from the English word ebony, the name for the dense black hardwood obtained from several species of trees in the genus Diospyros. The name ultimately traces back to the Ancient Egyptian term hbny, which passed through Ancient Greek as ἔβενος (ébenos) and Latin ebenus before entering Middle English. The wood itself is highly prized for its fine texture and mirror-like polish, historically making it one of the most expensive woods globally. Cultural Significance In the United States, Ebony as a given name is predominantly used within the African American community. During the 1960s and 1970s, the word “ebony”—black, luminous, and natural—embodied pride and positive self-image in the context of the Black is Beautiful movement and broader efforts to counter colorist stereotypes. The name Ebony often evokes not just the prized wood, but independence, resilience, and a connection to African heritage. The name's best-known nod to media and advocacy aside from its bearers is the monthly magazine Ebony, founded by John H. Johnson in 1945, which became the most iconic African American lifestyle publication for decades. Notable Bearers Ebony Jones (also known as Lil Loco of Kris Kross), hip-hop recording artist Ebony Oshunrinde (engineer and drummer known as Wonda) Ebony Obsidian, American actress (If Beale Street Could Talk) Usage and Variants The variant Eboni, an alternate phonetic spelling, is recorded with similar meanings and cultural associations. Both forms saw a sharp rise in popularity from the 1970s through the late 1990s within the U.S. based on census data. Meaning: Black wood (the dense hardwood from trees of the genus Diospyros) Origin