Opal
Girl name · 13 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Opal: 13 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2025.
Opal is a jewel name with ancient origins, derived from the Sanskrit word "upala" meaning "precious stone." It entered English use as a given name during the Victorian era's gemstone naming trend, alongside Pearl and Ruby. The most famous bearer was Opal Whiteley (1897–1992), an American nature writer and diarist whose childhood journal became a celebrated literary mystery. The name also shines through Opal, a gem-rich town in Wyoming, and Opal Creek in Oregon. Opal remains a softer alternative to more common gemstone names, and its iridescent "play of colour" has made it a favourite among parents seeking something distinctive yet delicate.
Girl 4 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20254 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #6324 babies
- Total births
- 13since 2022
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y