Beryl is a gemstone-derived given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word 'beryle', which itself comes from the Greek word 'beryllos'. The Greeks believed that beryls were stones that could give their owners the power of good fortune and protection against evil spirits.
The name Beryl gained popularity in the late 19th century, possibly due to the discovery of new varieties of beryl gemstones such as aquamarine and emerald. It was also likely influenced by the Victorian era's fascination with naming children after precious stones and metals.
Throughout history, Beryl has been associated with various figures. In mythology, it is said that Beryl was a servant of the goddess Hecate who could transform into a scarlet-colored bird. Additionally, there have been several notable individuals named Beryl throughout history, including British novelist Beryl Bainbridge and Canadian poet Berylanne Marie Leung.
In terms of its meaning, while Beryl does not have an explicit definition like some names, it is often associated with the qualities of gemstones: rarity, beauty, and durability. As such, people named Beryl may be seen as unique, elegant, and steadfast individuals.
Overall, Beryl is a distinctive given name with a rich history and intriguing origins. Its connection to precious stones gives it an air of timelessness and sophistication, making it a appealing choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Beryl was quite popular during the late 19th to early 20th century, with a significant number of births recorded annually from 1880 onwards. The peak in popularity occurred between 1915 and 1927, with over 200 births per year consistently. However, starting from the mid-1930s, there was a noticeable decline in its popularity, with fewer than 150 births recorded annually until it reached an all-time low of single-digit births per year from the late 1960s onwards. Since then, the name Beryl has been used sparingly, with only a handful of births per year recorded up to 2023.