Ebony Name for Afghan Hound

“Amber” is fossilized tree resin often used in jewelry, typically golden-orange and translucent. The word denotes a warm, glowing color and carries an ancient, organic charm (sometimes containing preserved insects or plant material). Amber symbolizes captured sunlight, warmth, and natural beauty that endures through time.

Amber comes from the Arabic anbar (via Middle Latin and French), originally referring to ambergris, then by the early 17th century to fossil resin (succinite). It became a given name in the 19th–20th centuries. As a name, Amber conjures the gemstone’s golden hue and enduring beauty.

“Ivory” is the material from elephant tusks, prized historically for its creamy white color and smooth texture. The word suggests purity, rarity, and a soft luster. Ivory carries connotations of classical beauty and innocence (as in “ivory tower”), but also strength under pressure (ivory is hard and durable).

Ivory comes from Middle English ivorie, from Anglo-French, and ultimately from Latin ebur (elephant ivory). It’s been used as a word for the tusk material for centuries. As a given name or word name, Ivory is rare, chosen for its color imagery and classic appeal.

“Satin” refers to a smooth, glossy fabric known for its luxurious sheen. The word conjures the sensation of softness and the visual of light gliding over a silky surface. As a name, it implies richness, delicacy, and elegance—something refined and touchably opulent.

Satin takes its name from the fabric, which got its English term in the 14th century (via Old French satin, from Arabic zaituni, perhaps referencing the Chinese port Quanzhou by its Arabic name Zayton). In naming, Satin is a modern, rare choice used to evoke smoothness and shine.

“Velvet” is a plush fabric with a short, dense pile, known for its rich texture and gentle sheen. The word evokes a sense of smoothness and opulence—touching velvet is soft and sumptuous. Velvet implies high quality and a classic, perhaps even royal, extravagance.

Velvet comes from Middle English veluet, tracing back to Old French and ultimately Latin vellus, meaning “fleece.” The term has described the fabric since medieval times. As a name, it’s extremely uncommon, used for its connotations of softness and luxury.

“Onyx” is a semi-precious stone typically black (though it comes in layers of colors), valued for its smooth, glassy luster. The name evokes darkness, depth, and a hint of mystery. Onyx symbolizes strength, grounding, and elegance—black onyx in particular has a classic, formal beauty.

Onyx comes from Latin and Greek (onyx, meaning “claw” or “fingernail,” possibly referring to the stone’s layered appearance). It has been an English word for the mineral since the 13th century. As a name, Onyx is a modern adoption, used for its sleek and powerful imagery.

“Pearl” is a smooth, lustrous gemstone formed within oysters, traditionally white or iridescent. It symbolizes purity, rarity, and refinement. Pearls have been treasured for their natural beauty and are often associated with classic elegance and a gentle glow rather than flashy brilliance.

Pearl comes from Old French perle, of unknown origin, used in English since medieval times for the gem. It became a common given name in English by the 19th century, symbolizing something precious. As a name, it implies rare beauty and purity.

“Saffron” is a prized spice derived from the crocus flower, known for its vivid golden color and distinct aroma. The name is synonymous with rarity and luxury, as saffron strands have been worth more than their weight in gold. It conjures warmth, richness, and a touch of the exotic, given its central role in Eastern cuisine and dye.

Saffron comes from Persian via Arabic (za’farān) for the spice, associated with the color yellow. It entered English in the Middle Ages to describe the costly golden spice. As a given name, it’s a modern nature-inspired choice referencing the spice’s rich hue and value.

“Cashmere” is a luxury wool obtained from certain goats, famed for being extremely soft and fine. The word suggests coziness, warmth, and high quality. As a concept, cashmere implies something rare, comforting, and indulgently smooth to the touch.

Cashmere is named after the old spelling of Kashmir, a region in India famed for producing this fine wool. The term entered English in the 19th century to denote the material. As a name, it’s seldom used, chosen to evoke softness, richness, and exotic provenance.