To parents babies are a treasure. They’re a crying, pooping, vomiting treasure, but they’re still a treasure in our eyes.
Our planet also has many treasures. These might be stones, gemstones and minerals, all precious in their own way. If you’re looking for a nature-inspired name with a bit of glitter or flair, why not consider these 40 names inspired by gemstones and minerals?
For Boys
Minerals and stones have many meanings, and each has their own reputation. Maybe you’ll find one name in these that suits the person you want your son to be.
1. Bronze
Somewhat left of centre, Bronze is a metal name that comes from the copper/tin alloy. It’s pretty rare, which means uniqueness is guaranteed.
2. Clay
A simple one-syllable name with an earthy vibe, Clay’s popularity has dropped slightly over the years meaning it’s not seen that much.
3. Cobalt
Inspired by the natural world, Cobalt is a shade of blue that takes its name from a mineral of a similar colour.
4. Copper
A stunning burnished metal, Copper can be a perfect boy’s name, but you might want to watch out for it’s other meaning: policemen.
5. Cornelian
Sometimes spelled Carnelian (usually this version is used for girls), Cornelian is a reddish-brown mineral that is one of the Virgo birthstones.
6. Flint
A similar sounding alternative to the popular Finn and Flynn, Flint is a hard variety of mineral quartz.
7. Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January, and is thought to mean “pomegranate”. This comes from the colours of the stone.
8. Jasper
Jasper is a spotted stone that is seen in an enormous variety of colours. The name comes from Persia, and originals means “treasurer”.
9. Jett
Another popular gemstone name, Jett (sometimes spelled with one T) is a dark material that is formed from wood that is fossilised.
10. Kyanite
Kyanite, which is a rich blue colour, means “deep blue” in Greek. This is a great name because it’s easily shortened to Kyan.
11. Malachite
Deriving from the Greek for “mallow-green stone”, the mineral was original used to make paint. It’s an unusual baby name, but we like it!
12. Mica
Mica, also seen as a name with biblical roots spelt Micah, is a short and sweet mineral name. Simple, and inspired by the natural world.
13. Obsidian
A strong and powerful name, Obsidian is usually deep black, and is formed from volcanic lava that cools before it can crystallise!
14. Ochre
The ultimate Australian mineral name, Ochre is a natural earth pigment with colours it a range of shades from yellow to a dusky orange.
16. Onyx
A black and white agate stone, Onyx also makes for a great mineral-inspired baby name. Some people believe that Onyx can heal and protect as well!
16. Silver
Silver might seem, at first glance, to be a more feminine name, but we really like it for a boy.
17. Steel
Steel might be the perfect name for your son if you’re looking for something that is strong and masculine.
18. Sterling
Sterling isn’t really a mineral, but it means “of the highest quality” and is generally associated with items of quality.
19. Stone
Stoic and strong, Stone is a great name for families who want to keep it simple. Yes it’s a word name, but it’s definitely not messing around!
20. Zircon
This is actually a Persian name for boys relating to the mineral, which is a crystal mineral that is found in a rainbow of colours.
For Girls
All that glitters might not be gold, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t treasure in its own right! Check out these gemstone and mineral inspired names for girls!
21. Amber
Warm and with a colourful history, Amber has long been a girl’s name but it has never really achieved mad popularity, making it a great choice.
22. Amethyst
A stunning purple stone, also the birthstone of February, Amethyst is a fantastic baby name inspired by nature.
23. Bijou
A French name that is short, sweet, and comes from the word for “jewel”. It’s got some European style, without being impossible to handle.
24. Carnelian
Carnelian is a dark red stone similar in many ways to Ruby. As a name it remains rare, but the sound is similar to the familiar Caroline.
25. Coral
Not a gemstone, but Coral is still a wonderful natural name. It was first seen in the Victorian Era, and has been a more regular choice since then.
26. Crystal
Perfect as a feminine girl’s name, Crystal comes from the word krystallos and allows you to give a gemstone inspired name that isn’t too out there.
27. Diamond
A winning name for a precious daughter, Diamond is a super pretty jewel-inspired baby name that has seen a recent burst of popularity.
28. Esmerelda
The Spanish version of the world emerald, Esmeralda hit its popularity peak after Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame.
29. Gemma
A popular name in many European countries, Gemma says your love for gemstones loud and clear.
30. Jade
Thought to encourage protection and courage, Jade is a light green stone, and also the birthstone for March.
31. Jewel
Jewel might not be a gemstone, but this noun still makes for a really lovely name that isn’t too weird but remains relatively rare.
32. Lazuli
Originating from the stone lapis lazuli, this name conjures up a vibrant blue colour. Lazuli comes from the Persian word for “heaven”.
33. Pearl
Pearls are the jewels of the sea, and as a name Pearl is also connected to the month of June. Simple and sweet for your girl.
34. Ruby
Ruby is probably one of the most popular gemstone baby names for girls. The birthstone for July, it made the top 100 in 2013.
35. Ruri
The Japanese word for the beautiful stone lapis lazuli, Ruri is a super short but gorgeous name for your little girl.
36. Sapphire
Bold and bright in sound and reputation, Sapphire is one of the new arrivals on the gemstone baby name scene.
37. Soraya
Soraya means “jewel” in Arabic but the name is actually more closely associated with a constellation known as the Seven Sisters.
38. Topaz
A gemstone with golden shades, Topaz is a very rare name that is sure to set your daughter apart from the average bunch.
39. Turquoise
A blue-green mineral that has been long sought-after for its unique colour, and also the birthstone of December.
40. Ula
A Celtic name that means “gem of the sea”, Ula might not be a gemstone in its own right, but it’s definitely a lovely name.
