Meaning and Origin of the Name Beryl

Beryl, a name that shimmers with elegance and intrigue, boasts a rich history and captivating allure. But where did this name originate from, and what secrets does it hold?

The origins of Beryl can be traced back to ancient Greece. The word “beryllos” was used to describe a precious greenish-blue stone now known as beryl. This mineral, prized for its beauty and durability, became the namesake for the gem family that includes emeralds, aquamarines, and sapphires.

The meaning of Beryl is a pale green precious stone from Sanskrit. It was the eighth biblical stone in the New Jerusalem wall.

Beryl was first used in the 19th century.

Beryl’s Popularity

While the exact timeline of Beryl’s transition from gemstone to given name remains unclear, historical records suggest its use as early as the Middle Ages. It gained mainstream popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Britain and English-speaking countries. This rise in popularity coincided with the Victorian era’s fascination with gemstones and their symbolism.

Beryl’s popularity was more so in the British Isles than in the United States during the late 19th century through the middle 20th century. Beryl’s popularity peaked in Britain in the 1930s. Beryl is one of 10 vintage girls’ names that seem headed back to popularity.

According to British birth records, three baby girls were named Beryl in 2014. Despite Beryl’s resurgence, the name wasn’t considered one of the 100 most popular girl’s names for 2016.

Famous People Named Beryl

English television producer, Beryl Ventue founded and chaired Hartswood Films, an independent production company back in 1988.

Dame Beryl Margaret Bainbridge from Liverpool, England, was the recipient for the Whitbread awards in 1977 and 1996 for best novel. Bainbridge was nominated 5 times for the Booker Prize because of her outstanding writing.

Beryl has become a popular name for fictional characters. Beryl Patmore is the cook in the ITV series, Downtown Abbey.

Summary

Beyond its historical significance, the name Beryl holds some unique quirks. Unlike many names with a single, definitive meaning, Beryl’s association with various beryl gemstones imbues it with a multifaceted character.

This quality of embodying diverse gemstone attributes makes Beryl a truly unique and captivating name. Whether you’re drawn to its historical roots, symbolic meaning, or connection to precious stones, Beryl remains a name that shimmers with timeless elegance.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other girls’ names on our website.