Origin
The name Opal derives from the Sanskrit word 'upala', meaning 'precious stone' or 'gem'. It entered English via Latin and Old French in the Middle Ages, becoming associated specifically with the gemstone. In Australian contexts, the name is linked to the opal gemstone, which is endemic to Australia and holds cultural and economic significance. The name is not traditionally used as a personal name until the 20th century, often inspired by its association with the beautiful, luminous gemstone found abundantly in Australian opal fields.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'precious gem' or 'precious stone'. In Australian English, it connotes beauty, uniqueness, and the natural riches of the Australian landscape.
Pronunciation
/ˈoʊpəl/ (OH-puhl); stress on the first syllable in Australian English, with a soft 'l' at the end, common in Australian pronunciation, often with a slight emphasis on the vowel sound.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Opal (original and most common form)
- Opalla (less common variant)
- Opalie (French influence)
Nicknames
- Opie
- Opalyn
Name Days
- 13 October (International Opal Day)
- 23 July (Australian National Gem Week)
- 20 March (First recorded usage in modern naming trends)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with opal:
- Grace and Opal (for a natural, elegant pair)
- Lily and Opal (flowers and gems theme)
- Sophie and Opal (classic and timeless combo)
Fun Facts
- Opal is Australia's national gemstone and is featured on the Australian Commonwealth Coat of Arms.
- The Australian opal industry supports thousands of jobs, especially in South Australia and Queensland.
- In popular culture, the name Opal gained popularity through the character Opal in Australian literature and media.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name opal:
- unique
- precious
- luminescent
- natural
- elegant
Aesthetic Qualities
The name visually evokes images of shining stones and natural beauty, with a classic yet fresh appearance—simple, elegant, and evocative of Australian natural resources.
Geographical Distribution
More popular in South Australia and Queensland, regions known for prolific opal mining activity. The name is less common in Western Australia, but is still recognised nationally.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3; associated with creativity, expression, and joy. The number suggests a vibrant personality and a love for artistic pursuits, aligning with the gemstone's luminous qualities.
Astrological Connections
Associated with the zodiac signs Pisces and Libra, symbolising harmony, creativity, and aesthetic appreciation—traits often ascribed to the qualities of the opal gemstone.
Historical Context
While relatively modern as a given name, Opal has gained cultural significance in Australia due to the gemstone's importance to Australian heritage. Notably, female Australian artists, writers, and public figures, such as Opal Wharton, have helped popularise the name.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is relatively adaptable and retains its form across many languages, primarily written as 'Opal' in English, French, and Spanish, with slight pronunciation variations.
Famous People Named opal
- Opal Whiteley (author and diarist)
- Opal Tometi (social activist and co-founder of Black Lives Matter)
- Opal Kunan (Australian artist)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |