Choosing a baby name is a significant decision, and the name Opal holds a unique charm and appeal. This article explores the popularity of the name Opal, its variations, and other names that resonate with its sound and feel, providing valuable insights for parents considering this beautiful name for their daughter.
(Image of the name Opal)
Opal Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
How popular is the name Opal? The provided data from SSA.gov offers a detailed look at the name’s ranking and frequency of births from 1910 to 2023.
Key Observations:
- Early 20th Century Peak: The name Opal enjoyed its highest popularity in the early 1900s, consistently ranking within the top 100 names for girls. Its peak years were between 1910 and 1920, with the highest number of births recorded in 1918 (2,836 births, ranking 94th).
- Mid-Century Decline: The name experienced a gradual decline in popularity throughout the mid-20th century. By the 1960s and 1970s, its rank had fallen significantly, and the number of babies named Opal decreased dramatically.
- Modern Revival: In recent years, there’s been a noticeable resurgence in the name’s popularity. Since 2010, the name has steadily climbed the ranks, indicating a renewed interest in vintage and gemstone-inspired names. In 2023, Opal ranked 490th with 590 births, a notable increase from its lowest points.
- Data Gaps: The data includes instances where no births were recorded for the name, represented by "—" for rank, 0 for births, and 0% for percentage of births in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000. This means that less than 5 babies were named Opal in those years and the data was not shared.
The Table:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 87 | 1,021 | 0.29% |
| 1911 | 83 | 1,170 | 0.3142% |
| 1912 | 86 | 1,441 | 0.2857% |
| 1913 | 85 | 1,618 | 0.2854% |
| 1914 | 89 | 1,880 | 0.2698% |
| 1915 | 90 | 2,461 | 0.2709% |
| 1916 | 90 | 2,626 | 0.2718% |
| 1917 | 94 | 2,528 | 0.2527% |
| 1918 | 94 | 2,836 | 0.2642% |
| 1919 | 98 | 2,638 | 0.2519% |
| 1920 | 100 | 2,692 | 0.2421% |
| 1921 | 103 | 2,701 | 0.2359% |
| 1922 | 108 | 2,553 | 0.2292% |
| 1923 | 113 | 2,349 | 0.2097% |
| 1924 | 119 | 2,268 | 0.1953% |
| 1925 | 129 | 2,095 | 0.1854% |
| 1926 | 128 | 2,016 | 0.1833% |
| 1927 | 141 | 1,728 | 0.1561% |
| 1928 | 146 | 1,566 | 0.1464% |
| 1929 | 150 | 1,434 | 0.1384% |
| 1930 | 155 | 1,314 | 0.1258% |
| 1931 | 168 | 1,066 | 0.108% |
| 1932 | 178 | 1,031 | 0.1044% |
| 1933 | 182 | 903 | 0.0969% |
| 1934 | 198 | 876 | 0.0906% |
| 1935 | 219 | 748 | 0.077% |
| 1936 | 230 | 680 | 0.0706% |
| 1937 | 252 | 594 | 0.0603% |
| 1938 | 259 | 555 | 0.0542% |
| 1939 | 262 | 526 | 0.0517% |
| 1940 | 275 | 482 | 0.0453% |
| 1941 | 312 | 398 | 0.0354% |
| 1942 | 324 | 413 | 0.0327% |
| 1943 | 339 | 397 | 0.0304% |
| 1944 | 341 | 366 | 0.0295% |
| 1945 | 380 | 302 | 0.0248% |
| 1946 | 409 | 310 | 0.021% |
| 1947 | 419 | 333 | 0.0199% |
| 1948 | 479 | 237 | 0.0148% |
| 1949 | 474 | 245 | 0.0152% |
| 1950 | 547 | 181 | 0.0112% |
| 1951 | 563 | 184 | 0.0109% |
| 1952 | 567 | 184 | 0.0105% |
| 1953 | 620 | 158 | 0.0089% |
| 1954 | 691 | 135 | 0.0074% |
| 1955 | 655 | 155 | 0.0084% |
| 1956 | 768 | 113 | 0.006% |
| 1957 | 769 | 123 | 0.0064% |
| 1958 | 958 | 70 | 0.0037% |
| 1959 | 975 | 69 | 0.0036% |
| 1960 | 916 | 83 | 0.0044% |
| 1961 | 1,072 | 59 | 0.0031% |
| 1962 | 1,054 | 59 | 0.0032% |
| 1963 | 1,127 | 48 | 0.0027% |
| 1964 | 1,245 | 37 | 0.0021% |
| 1965 | 1,148 | 42 | 0.0026% |
| 1966 | 1,209 | 35 | 0.0022% |
| 1967 | 1,499 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 1968 | 1,410 | 25 | 0.0017% |
| 1969 | 1,519 | 23 | 0.0015% |
| 1970 | 1,657 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 1971 | 1,339 | 37 | 0.0025% |
| 1972 | 1,877 | 13 | 0.001% |
| 1973 | 2,038 | 10 | 0.0008% |
| 1974 | 1,722 | 17 | 0.0013% |
| 1975 | 1,641 | 22 | 0.0017% |
| 1976 | 1,406 | 33 | 0.0026% |
| 1977 | 1,945 | 15 | 0.0011% |
| 1978 | 1,813 | 19 | 0.0014% |
| 1979 | 1,600 | 29 | 0.0021% |
| 1980 | 1,751 | 24 | 0.0016% |
| 1981 | 1,689 | 27 | 0.0018% |
| 1982 | 2,004 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 1983 | 2,350 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 1984 | 3,168 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1985 | 2,489 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 1986 | 2,724 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1987 | 2,113 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 1988 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1989 | 3,394 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1990 | 3,928 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1992 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1993 | 3,751 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1994 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1995 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1996 | 3,291 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1997 | 2,693 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1998 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1999 | 3,705 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2000 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2001 | 3,973 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | 2,896 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2003 | 3,478 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2004 | 2,890 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 2005 | 3,793 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2006 | 2,250 | 30 | 0.0019% |
| 2007 | 2,348 | 27 | 0.0017% |
| 2008 | 2,354 | 26 | 0.0017% |
| 2009 | 2,513 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 2010 | 2,107 | 33 | 0.0023% |
| 2011 | 1,760 | 51 | 0.0036% |
| 2012 | 1,749 | 51 | 0.0036% |
| 2013 | 1,608 | 64 | 0.0045% |
| 2014 | 1,191 | 131 | 0.009% |
| 2015 | 1,036 | 175 | 0.012% |
| 2016 | 947 | 208 | 0.0144% |
| 2017 | 811 | 264 | 0.0189% |
| 2018 | 773 | 277 | 0.0202% |
| 2019 | 627 | 393 | 0.029% |
| 2020 | 674 | 372 | 0.0292% |
| 2021 | 537 | 489 | 0.04% |
| 2022 | 528 | 554 | 0.042% |
| 2023 | 490 | 590 | 0.0456% |
Names Like Opal: Exploring Alternatives
For those drawn to the charm of Opal, several variations and similar-sounding names offer appealing alternatives.
Variants of Opal:
- Opalina: This variant adds a touch of elegance and femininity while retaining the core sound and connection to the gemstone. It means "gem, jewel" and has Indian (Sanskrit) origin.
- Opaline: Similar to Opalina, Opaline provides a slightly different pronunciation and feel, while still evoking the image of the shimmering gem. It also means "gem, jewel" and has Indian (Sanskrit) origin.
- Opall: A shortened version of Opal, offering a more modern and concise feel. It also means "gem, jewel" and has Indian (Sanskrit) origin.
Names That Sound Like Opal:
- Abila: With its soft vowel sounds, Abila shares a similar auditory quality to Opal. It means "Beautiful" and has Latin origin.
- Apple: A nature-inspired name that has a sweet, simple sound that is similar to Opal. It means "Apple fruit" and has English origin.
The Meaning and Significance of Opal
Beyond its sound and popularity, the name Opal carries a rich meaning. Derived from the gemstone of the same name, Opal is often associated with:
- Beauty and Creativity: Opals are known for their unique play of color, symbolizing creativity, inspiration, and a vibrant personality.
- Hope and Purity: In some cultures, opals represent hope, purity, and innocence.
- Loyalty and Faithfulness: The gemstone is also associated with loyalty, faithfulness, and confidence.
Naming a child Opal can be seen as bestowing these positive attributes upon them.
Conclusion
The name Opal presents a compelling choice for parents seeking a name that is both beautiful and meaningful. Its historical popularity, recent resurgence, and gemstone association make it a timeless and unique option. Whether you choose Opal itself or explore its variations and similar-sounding names, this gem of a name is sure to bring joy and inspiration.