Opal

OH-puhl

Opal comes from the English word for the iridescent gemstone, derived through Latin opalus from the Sanskrit upala meaning “precious stone.” The gem is known for its shifting play of colours.

US Rank 2024
No. 450
Births
694

Gemstone names became fashionable in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Opal was among the most popular, alongside Ruby, Pearl, and Beryl.

Opal ranked No. 450 in 2024 with 694 births. It peaked at No. 81 in 1911 with 1,190 births, then faded before its current resurgence.

What the name Opal means

The name’s return follows the vintage gemstone revival. It joins Pearl and Ruby in climbing back up the charts after decades of absence.

Two syllables - OH-pul - are soft and luminous. The name feels delicate yet grounded, much like the gemstone itself.

Parents choosing Opal prize its brevity, its vintage charm, and its connection to a stone known for extraordinary beauty and uniqueness.

US popularity over time

Numerology and symbolism

Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.

O(6) + P(7) + A(1) + L(3) = 17 = 8
Destiny number
8
Ambition
Sum of all letters, reduced to a single digit
Soul urge
7
Understanding
Sum of vowels only - reveals inner desires
Expression
1
Confidence
Sum of consonants - how others perceive you
Letters 4
Vowels / consonants 2 / 2
Birthstone Diamond
Lucky color Charcoal

Famous people named Opal

Opal Wilcox Barron (b. 1914) Politician and public official (1914-2010)
Opal Wilcox Barron (b. 1914) Politician and public official (1914-2010)
Opal Wilcox Barron (b. 1914) Politician and public official (1914-2010)
Opal Sofer (b. 1997) Professional athlete (born 1997)
Opal Sofer (b. 1997) Professional athlete (born 1997)
Opal Sofer (b. 1997) Professional athlete (born 1997)
Opal Curless (b. 1998) Professional athlete (born 1998)
Opal Curless (b. 1998) Professional athlete (born 1998)
Opal Curless (b. 1998) Professional athlete (born 1998)

Opal - similar names

Olivia
From Latin “oliva” (olive), meaning olive tree; a symbol of ...
Ava
From Latin “avis” meaning bird, from Proto-Indo-European roo...
Camila
From Latin “camillus” meaning young attendant at a religious...
Luna
From Latin “luna” meaning moon; name of the Roman moon godde...
Violet
From Latin “viola” meaning the violet flower (Viola odorata)...
Aurora
From Latin “ausrora” meaning dawn; name of the Roman goddess...
Nova
From Latin “novus” meaning new; in astronomy, a star that su...
Grace
From Latin “gratia” meaning favor, goodwill, or divine bless...
Emilia
From Latin “Aemilius” meaning rival or eager, from one of Ro...
Valentina
From Latin “valens” meaning strong, healthy, or vigorous; fe...
Victoria
From Latin “victoria” meaning victory, from “vincere” (to co...
Stella
From Latin “stella” meaning star, from Proto-Indo-European “...

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Researched by MyGall Research · Updated April 15, 2026
Girl Latin Sanskrit 2 syllables precious gemstone

Where it ranks highest

WY No. 70 MT No. 103 AK No. 124 OR No. 132 ID No. 164 HI No. 210 OK No. 210 ME No. 216 MO No. 223 UT No. 225 IA No. 225 MN No. 235 KS No. 240 KY No. 240 AR No. 253 ND No. 257 WV No. 259 NH No. 266 SD No. 271 IN No. 273 NE No. 282 CO No. 297 WI No. 342 WA No. 352 NM No. 354 TN No. 360 OH No. 362 AZ No. 395 GA No. 436 LA No. 447 PA No. 483 NC No. 532 VA No. 535 NV No. 572 MI No. 580 AL No. 621 MS No. 639 FL No. 641 CA No. 650 SC No. 693 IL No. 701 TX No. 730 MD No. 908 NY No. 946 MA No. 952 NJ No. 1131

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