Crystal

Meaning & origin

Crystal is a feminine given name drawn from the English vocabulary word for the clear, lustrous mineral. Its usage as a first name emerged in the late 19th century, with the earliest recorded instance in 1884. The name's trajectory changed dramatically in the latter half of the 20th century: it rose to its peak popularity in 1982, when it was a top 20 name for girls. Since 1985, however, its usage has been falling steadily. By 2025, Crystal stands at rank 1144, given to approximately 1 in 7,957 newborn girls. The name is most popular in the states of Texas, Colorado, and Minnesota, suggesting broad but regionally varied appeal. Crystal's sound and style align with the 1980s trend of nature-inspired and transparent names, yet it retains a classic, gemstone-rooted quality that keeps it in use.

Crystal derives from the English word for the clear, glassy mineral, which in turn comes from the Greek 'krystallos' meaning 'ice'. The name was adopted as a given name in the 19th century, likely inspired by the Victorian fashion for gemstone names. It gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 20th century, particularly peaking in the 1980s.