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Among many inspirations behind baby names, the most visual ones are colors. Colors appeal to the naked eye and evoke many emotions, so color baby names make unique choices. Colors affect our mood and positively impact our mental health and well-being. Warm colors, like reds and yellows, stimulate happiness and energy, while cooler colors, like blues and greens, are calming and soothing (1). Color symbolism has also been widely used in literature to depict mood. Using color baby names has been practiced for a while and is always in trend. You could pick the right color name for your baby based on many aspects, such as their eye color or the color of their birth flower or birth gemstone, to help define their identity. If you wish to know the meaning behind colors and learn about the rarest hues, our list below is here to help. Check it out.
Key Pointers
- Colors are often associated with emotions and feelings.
- Some common color names are Jade, Olive, Scarlett, Violet, and Hazel.
- Parents may choose a color name based on their child’s eye color, birth flower, or other factors.
- A few unique color names include Mazarin, Xanthe, Viridian, Morado, and Roux.
50 Vibrant Color Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Choosing color baby names can be a meaningful way to emphasize your child’s personality and heritage. This is because colors have different meanings across cultures. These symbolisms have come about from history, plan, or accident and shape the way we think about and perceive color (2). For instance, red was used to protect the dead in Egypt, as a symbol of longevity in China, as a color of sovereign power in Rome, and also as a symbol of war, love, passion, and sin across literature. So, when you give your child a color baby name, you associate them with what that color represents in your culture. So, read on and discover the names that would best fit your child.
Color Baby Names For Boys
Color baby names for boys are rare, but the ones we do have, help your child stand out from the crowd. From cool names like Ash and Blue to unique ones like Morado and Ivory, these names cover wide colors and temperaments.
1. Ash
Ash is another beautiful-sounding color name. It comes from the Hebrew word, meaning ‘happy’ or ‘fortunate.’ Asher was also the son of Jacob in the Bible (3). It will also make a dashing short form for Ashton, Asher, and other Ash-related names.
2. Auburn
Most color names are catered to girls, but here’s a perfect one for a boy. Auburn refers to a ‘reddish-brown color.’ It is not too popular yet, but it may become the next Scarlett or Amber for baby boy names.
3. Azul
Azul is a Spanish word meaning ‘sky blue’ and indicates ‘celestial blue’ in Portuguese. It has never actually made it to the popularity list so it would make an excellent choice for a baby boy’s name.
4. Beige
If you want a no-nonsense name for your son, Beige will make a decent pick. It has a nice sound and a classy appeal to it.
5. Beryl
If you are looking for an unusual gender-neutral baby name for your child based on a color, Beryl is the one for you. This British favorite name, based on the green stone, has not hit the top 100-baby name list since the 1950s. So this one is sure to be uncommon.
6. Blue
Blue is another unisex color-inspired stylish boy name. The name will surely dazzle your acquaintances and surprise your friends. You can even spell it as Blu.
Trivia7. Brown
Brown is more popular as a surname than a given name. As a given name, it’s usually used for boys. Ford Madox Brown is the most notable namesake. He was a renowned English painter and was closely associated with the pre-Raphaelite movement (4). If Brown sounds like an in-your-face kind of name to you, you can go for the German version, Bruno, for more spark and substance.
8. Brick
Brick is the muted red shade commonly used as a boy’s name. It is an Anglicized form of various names- the German Bruck or Breck, which means ‘wood’ or ‘swap,’ the Irish Bruic and the Slovenian Bric, which means ‘dweller from a hill place,’ and the Yiddish Brik, which means ‘bridge.’ Did you think that this name was invented by Tennessee Williams for the lead of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof?
Cerulean is the newest sky color name on the list. While the name suits both genders, its meaning, ‘light sky blue,’ makes it more suitable for guys than girls.
10. Coal
No, we have not made up this name. Coal is actually a name derived from the Old English word Cola, which means ‘coal black.’ Cole is a spelling variation of this name, with its most notable bearer being Cole Porter, the American songwriter and composer (5).
11. Cyan
Cyan is a highly unique color name for boys. This blue-green relative of Cerulean and Celadon comes with a cool nickname, Cy. For girls, go for Cyane, the Sicilian nymph residing in a blue pool (6).
12. Gray
Gray or Grey would make a simple, somber, and evocative color name for your son, especially in the middle or last. As a first name, Grey/Gray is still an uncommon choice. Actors Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson named their son Leo Gray. Alternatively, you can keep it as a short form for Grayson or Graham.
This color-inspired name is for the nature-loving families. Green sounds great as a middle name. Actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman used it as a middle name for their son.
14. Indigo
Indigo is one of the most evocative of the current generation color names. It’s based on the dark bluish-purple dye that is obtained from plants (7). This name is predicted to enjoy a serious upturn in fortune. Actor Lou Diamond Philips used it for his daughter, but we think it would suit boys more than girls.
15. Ivory
Ivory is a highly attractive color name chosen by African-American parents mainly for its orientation with the West African Ivory Coast. This name was last popular a century ago but began to regain momentum in 2014.
16. Jett
The name Jett refers to the color ‘jet black’ and derives from the English word for the black mineral jet. Filmmaker George Lucas used this fast-paced name for his son. You can also use it as a short form for Jetson.
17. Lavender
This unisex name stands both for the purple color of its flower and the fragrant herb. It was used widely in the 18th century for upper-class gentlemen but is now more used for girls.
The male name Morado is inspired by the color purple and means ‘deep violet’ in Spanish and Portuguese. It has southern charm and an arboreal nature appeal.
19. Moss
Moss, referring to the green color of moss, is among those nature baby names used mostly as a surname. It’s also associated with Moss Hart, the playwright who co-wrote Broadway comedies such as You Can’t Take It With You and The Man Who Came to Dinner (8). The other prominent bearers of Moss as the last name are Elisabeth, Kate, and Sterling Moss.
The fiery color name would be perfect as a middle name. It is also appropriate to be used as your child’s nickname if he is a redhead.
21. Roux
The name Roux comes from a Latin word meaning ‘brownish red’ or ‘russet.’ Uniquely enough, it’s also a culinary term for a mixture of butter with flour. Roux was also the name of Johnny Depp’s character in Chocolate. The correct pronunciation of Roux is ‘Roo’.
Originally, a surname, the name Rusty comes from the Old French word Rousel, which is further derived from the Latin word russus, meaning ‘red.’
Here’s another color name that is rising in popularity. Meaning ‘wise’ and also referring o the herb sage, this name has been adopted by several A-listed celebs as well. If you want to use it for your baby girl, consider adding an ‘i’ in the middle. You’ll get Saige.
24. Silver
Here’s a legitimate boy’s name with loads of luster. The hippie name Silver has made a commendable comeback with gem and metal names like Jade, Steel, and Ruby.
Color-Inspired Baby Names For Girls
There are numerous color baby names for girls and many of them feature among the most popular names used in the US. So, whether you like famous names like Violet and Rose or unconventional ones like Mazarin and Sienna, you’ll find something to inspire you in the list below.
25. Alba
Alba is a vintage Latin baby name meaning ‘white.’ It will make a nice alternative to Ella or Abigail.
26. Aurelia
Aurelia is another favorite of ours. It’s a Latin-inspired name meaning ‘golden.’ It jumped back into the top 1000 names in the US after 62 years of absence in 2012 and ranks at 371 as of 2023 (9).
This name is perfect for a blue-eyed beauty. This lovely name evokes the mesmerizing ‘deep blue color’ of the ocean. In the Middle Ages, Azure was a name for lapis lazuli, a gemstone used for making the pigment that we see in Medieval Art (10).
28. Clementine
In French, the meaning of Clementine is ‘mercy’, but to us, it brings the bright, orange fruit in mind. It will give your child a very cool initial.
Coral is unusual, exotic, and oh-so-pretty. This color name, referring to a pink-orange hue, was first used as a name in the Victorian era. It falls in the category of Ruby and Pearl but is not as popular yet.
Meaning ‘deep, black wood’, the name Ebony reached the peak of its popularity in the 1980s. But it is now trending downwards, so it might be an unconventional pick for your child. The name is favored by African-American parents because of its association with blackness and beauty.
Emerald is an intriguing ‘deep green’ stone that can be traced to ancient Egypt. The jewel is supposed to open the wearer’s heart to wisdom and strengthen relationships. Emerald is an interesting and unusual Em- starting name. Emerald is a birthstone of May, so select the name if your child is born in that month. You may also choose the name Esmeralda for a Spanish touch.
Fuchsia is another color-inspired name for baby girls. This name of a character in the Gormenghast fantasy trilogy was also chosen by singer Sting as a middle name for his daughter. Fuchsia is the name of the plant known for its vibrant pink and purple blooms.
33. Hazel
Here’s another green-hued name for you to check out. The name has been enjoying immense popularity, at an all-time high of rank 19 as of 2023 (9). The name gained immense popularity as the name of one of the deuteragonists, Hazel Grace Lancaster, in John Green’s The Fault in our Stars. Hazel is also the name of actor John Krasinski and Emily Blunt’s daughter. Even Julia Roberts chose it for her little one.
34. Jade
This is one of the most precious gemstone baby names we can think of. The name is derived from the word ‘ijada’, which means ‘stone of the colic.’ It debuted on the popularity chart for girls in 1975, shortly after Bianca and Mick Jagger chose it for their daughter. Jade is sometimes given to boys too. If you want the name for your son, just change it to Jaden.
Jade can also be used as a beautiful middle name. Charity Jade Eyre Wright, a mother of four, speaks about the experience of having two of her nieces sharing her middle name, creating a beautiful family tradition. She writes, “Shawni (her sister) and dave (her brother-in-law) decided to name that new gorgeous girl wellesley jade pothier – her middle name matching mine. i was elated to have a tiny namesake, and i’ve loved that girl fiercely ever since.”
She adds, “fourteen and a half years later and six months ago, my closest-in-age brother welcomed his first daughter into the world… i’ll never forget driving in the car with the phone on speaker while eli (her brother) and julie (her sister-in-law) announced their newborn’s name. zara jade eyre – her middle name matching mine. i was overjoyed to have another tiny namesake, and i’ve loved that girl fiercely ever since (i).”
35. Kelly
Kelly is another shade of green popular in Ireland. It’s also recognized as one of the symbolic colors of the country and was named after one of the most common surnames in Ireland, meaning ‘bright-headed.’ A popular celebrity who carries Kelly as a first name is singer Kelly Clarkson.
36. Mauve
Mauve finds its place as one of the most cute baby girl names in our opinion. It refers to the pinkish-purple or light purple hue seen in sunsets and flowers.
37. Mazarin
Mazarin is a French word for ‘dark blue.’ Quaint and sweet, this name reminds us of a Renaissance painting. As a name, Mazarin or Mazarine may be inspired by Cardinal Mazarin, a 17th-century Prime Minister of France, who reigned when King Louis XIV was still a minor (11).
38. Melanie
The name Melanie comes from the Greek word for ‘black’. The name hovered in and around the top 100 names for the past half-century, which is quite a good feat for a name. It still ranks among the top 150 names (9). You can credit its popularity to the saintly Melanie Hamilton from Gone with the Wind.
The name Olive comes from the tree and its bronze-green fruits. Actor Drew Barrymore is not the only celebrity who used this trendy color-inspired name for her child. It’s renowned for its association with Abigail Breslin’s character in Little Miss Sunshine. Plus, Jake Owen and Sacha Baron Cohen also bestowed this name on their children. You can even try its cousin, Olivia.
The unisex name Pink means ‘one who is healthy’ or a ‘nobleman’ and refers to the color pink. It became popular as one of the unique names for girls largely due to the influence of the singer Pink.
Trivia41. Raven
This jet-black bird immortalized in Edgar Allan Poe’s masterpiece has become a hot name for baby girls. But you can use it for boys too! The name was also popularized in modern times thanks to the main character, Raven Baxter, of the famous Disney sitcom, That’s So Raven.
Rose is not just Kate Winslet’s moniker in Titanic. This timeless name, reminiscent of the soft pink hue of the flower, ranks among the Top 150 names for baby girls in the US (9). We think it will sound more beautiful as a middle name.
Ruby is another one of the stylish girl names inspired by color. In fact, has been consistently ranking among the top 100 baby names in the US since 2013 (9).
Russet is an exotic color name for girls and we love how this name sounds. Russet refers to a reddish-brown color, most commonly associated with fall, which would make it great choice if your daughter is born in autumn.
45. Saffron
The signature golden-orange color of this super-expensive spice has inspired many parents to use it as a name for their babies. The name originates from the Arabic word za’faran, meaning ‘yellow,’ referring to the saffron crocus flower, from which the spice is extracted.
46. Scarlett
Scarlett may conjure the vision of the leading lady in the movie Gone with the Wind, but the credit goes to actor Scarlett Johansson for making this name popular with the parents.
47. Sienna
This ‘rich brown color’ derives its name from an Italian town. It is also associated with actor Sienna Miller.
The name Violet conjures up the gum-loving Violet Beauregard from the book and movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner gave a new life to this classic name by giving it to their eldest daughter. Violet now sits pretty in the top 100 baby girl names, at an all-time high of rank 16 as of 2023 (9). Bella Lambert and her husband are also fond of the name Violet. Speaking about the name, Bella says, “I love this name because I feel it is timeless.” She also thinks the name will perfectly suit a baby and an adult. Her husband echoes her opinion and says the name Violet seamlessly fits a person throughout their entire life’s journey (ii).
If you have grown up by the sea, you would know how beautiful the waters are when they turn greenish blue sometimes. Veridian or viridian is that mix of green and blue. The name is not very popular on the US Social Security Administration list but could be just the right fit for your pretty daughter.
50. Xanthe
If you want an exotic baby name, go for Xanthe without giving it a second thought. It comes from the Greek word and means ‘yellow’.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Creative And Lifelike Color Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do parents choose a color baby name?
Parents can choose a color baby name by researching the name’s roots, history, and meaning. Also, make sure the color has positive connotations in your country and has no social implications. Consider the color’s cultural and religious significance, and most importantly, factor in your personal preferences. For instance, choose the name Jade if you are of Chinese descent as the gem represents good fortune (12). However, if your child is born in autumn, Sienna, Auburn, or Russet may be good choices. You can also choose a name like Xanthe or Cerulean if you want your child to stand out.
2. Can color baby names be paired with other names?
Yes, color-based baby names can work well when combined with a surname or a middle name. You may also combine two color baby names to create a unique first name.
3. Can parents use multiple color names for siblings?
Yes, parents may use different color baby names to name each of their children. Each name may be unique or represent different shades of the same color.
Colors are what bring our surroundings to life and make them pleasant to look at. So we have prepared this list of baby names inspired by colors for you to choose from. You could either name your child inspired by your favorite color or keep in mind a color that holds some special meaning to you. These names are sure to add a dash of color to your little one’s life. Although the list has separate names for girls and boys, most options are gender-neutral and work for both. So, choose the name that attracts you the most from the list for your little one.
Infographic: Color Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Everything looks and feels better when it is colorful and vibrant. So, if you want your little one to have a rich, bright personality and presence, just like the colors of nature, we suggest you give them a name inspired by the same. Furthermore, to help you choose, we have the following infographic ready that you can keep handy. Do give it a read. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
This video lists 25 baby girl names inspired by colors! Learn the meanings behind each name and find the perfect one for your baby girl!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Three jades.;https://drippingwithpassion.blogspot.com/2013/07/three-jades.html
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
ii. Baby names we like but won’t use! DELLA VLOGS;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kZc1N4-Tf8
References:
- How do colors in my home change my mood? Color psychology explained.
https://mhanational.org/surroundings/color-psychology-explained - Kashyap Parikh; (2011); Colour Symbolism – Emotional Values of Colour.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314894093_Colour_Symbolism_-_Emotional_Values_of_Colour - Asher.
https://classic.net.bible.org/dictionary.php?word=Asher - Ford Madox Brown, Work.
https://mavcor.yale.edu/conversations/object-narratives/ford-madox-brown-work - Cole Porter.
https://www.songhall.org/profile/cole_porter - Cyane.
https://pantheon.org/articles/c/cyane.html - Plant of the Month: Indigo.
https://daily.jstor.org/plant-of-the-month-indigo/ - Moss Hart.
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/broadway/stars/moss-hart/?repeat=w3tc - Popularity of a name.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Lapis lazuli.
https://www.alexstrekeisen.it/english/meta/lapis.php#:~:text=%22Lazaward%22%20was%20the%20Persian%20name,%22%20and%20Romanian%20%22azuriu%22. - Mazarinades.
https://library.harvard.edu/collections/mazarinades - Jade History and Lore.
https://www.gia.edu/jade-history-lore
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