Amethyst is a name of Greek origin that comes from the gemstone of the same name. The word "amethyst" translates to "not drunken" in Ancient Greek. This is because, according to ancient lore, the amethyst had the power to protect its wearer from getting drunk.
In terms of history, the use of amethyst as a gemstone dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. In fact, it was one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of the High Priest of Israel. Amethysts were also popular among European royalty during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.
As for its popularity as a given name, amethyst has never been particularly common. However, it has experienced some periods of popularity, especially during the late Victorian era when there was a trend towards using gemstone names like sapphire and opal. Today, amethyst is still not a mainstream name but may be chosen by parents looking for something unique and beautiful.
The name Amathyst has been used quite infrequently over the years in the United States, with only seven babies being given this name in total since records began. The peak year for its usage was in 2002 when it was bestowed upon seven newborns. Despite its rarity, each child bearing this unique moniker holds a special place among their peers, standing out from the crowd of more commonly used names. It is important to note that these statistics are based on available records and may not include every birth registered in the United States during those years. However, they do provide an interesting snapshot into the usage of the name Amathyst over time in this country.