Jewel and Gemstone Baby Names

An intriguing Greek name with an appealing meaning.

Saffira is the softer, Latin variation of the English name Sapphire. In sound it is reminiscent of Zephyra.

A name with an obvious meaning, for a long time associated with Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. Nickname Goldie seems to be catching on in the celebrity community.

Johari is derived from the Arabic word jawhar, which evolved from the Persian word gouhar, both referring to gemstones.

A punchy alternative to Pearl as it gains popularity.

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.

Just like Flora is for botanicals, Jewel is the generic gemstone name, not used much since the early twentieth century, when it was seen as a symbol of how precious a daughter could be. The French version, Bijou, feels more modern, as do Pearl and Ruby.

A unisex Chinese and Vietnamese with an appealingly simple, vowel-rich spelling.

Instead of the more obvious Aqua, Turquoise, or Blue, consider this offbeat Arabic name, brought into the American name pool by actress Fairuza Balk (named by her father for the color of her eyes). Since turquoise is the birthstone for December, Fairuza is one of the perfect names for December babies.

Although Zircon means "gold-hued," the gem comes in a variety of colors.

This Georgian name is of unclear meaning, but it may derive from Persian zar "gold".

Everyone is loving Lu- names nowadays, so why not add this sweet East African one to your list?

Jacinth is a gemstone of the Zircon variety. The name is related to the floral Hyacinth.

Rosegold, or rose gold, is actually an alloy of gold and copper, used in jewellery for its warm, pinkish hue. It would make for a pretty and quirky girl name, with sweet short forms Rosie and Goldie.

Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza is popularizing this one.

A unisex name from the snowy north.

The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.

A lovely Japanese alternative to Tamara.

Baojin, sometime hyphenated to Bao-Jin, has a luxurious meaning making it a relatively common choice for Mandarin-speaking parents. Baojin can be used for girls and boys. But this meaning also means that baby Baojin will also share his/her name with a mining company, an expressway and a housing policy.

This may be a bit quirky to make it as a name, especially in first place. If you love it, you might try it in the middle.