Ivory
/ˈaɪ.və.ɹi/
Ivory comes from the English word for the hard, creamy-white material historically sourced from elephant tusks. The word traces through Old French ivoire to the Latin ebur.
As a given name, Ivory has appeared sporadically since the 19th century. It gained traction as a girl’s name in the 2010s, part of the trend toward word names with elegant associations.
Ivory ranked No. 404 in 2024 with 784 births, its all-time high. The name has climbed steadily as parents explore sophisticated word names beyond the usual floral choices.
What the name Ivory means
The word evokes purity, rarity, and warmth - qualities that make it appealing as a given name despite the material’s complex ethical history.
Three syllables - EYE-vuh-ree - have a smooth, luxurious feel. The name sounds refined and distinctive without being difficult to pronounce.
Parents choosing Ivory appreciate its visual and tactile associations. It belongs to the category of “colour and material” names gaining modern traction.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Ivory
Ivory - similar names
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