Colorful Names For Your Little One
Few things bring color into a person's life like the arrival of a new baby. Why not celebrate the occasion by choosing a colorful name as bright and vibrant as the newest member of your family? Straightforward colors like red and orange aren't the best fit, but, luckily there are plenty of similar names that much more subtle.
1. Amber
Amber's rich yellow-orange color hue and connection to memory make it a popular choice for girls. The name first saw occasional use in the early 19th century, but absolutely skyrocketed to popularity following the release of historical romance novel Forever Amber in 1944. While the protagonist's name may have been anachronistic for the 1600s, her fiery spirit and scandalous relationships made her a literary icon.
2. Ash
Commonly used as a short form of Ashton or Ashley, Ash works great as a gender-neutral name on its own. Taking its meaning from both the tree and the pale remnants of fires, Ash is a subtle and cool name.
3. Basil
Basil comes from a Greek word meaning "royal, kingly", derived from an ancient title. However, it's also the name of the beloved green herb commonly used in pizza and pesto. Technically, the given name and the herb are pronounced differently, but we're not going to stop you from using your preferred pronounciation.
4. Bruno
Some people think of brown as a boring neutral color, but we think is symbolizes warmth and stability. Bruno, which means "brown" in German has a great sound to it—vintage without being dated. It may surprise you to learn that while the origins of this name are generally agreed to be Germanic, it's actually one of the most popular names in Italy!
5. Forest
Want your child to feel connected to Earth's natural beauty from the moment they're born? Why not choose the name Forest? Forest green is a vivid yellowish green named after the average color of leaves.
6. Grayson
It may surprise you to learn that the name Grayson is not actually connected to the color at all! Actually, it is derived from a surname with two distinct origins. In Scotland, it comes from the can surname Grierson, while in Northern England it means "son of the steward".
7. Hazel
Once reserved for hurricanes and doting aunts, Hazel is one of several "old lady names" on this last that's seen a massive resurgence in popularity within the past decade. Hazel is a lovely medium-dark shade of yellow partway between green and brown, most commonly associated with eye color. Surprisingly, Hazel was actually a rare masculine name until about the time of the Civil War.
8. Jade
Jade is a gorgeous pale green mineral valued around the world for its beauty and supposed healing powers. Jade is especially prized in China, where it is used in decorative, musical, and spiritual arts. The word derives from a Spanish phrase meaning "stone of the stomach", because jade was believed to cure colicky babies when placed upon the stomach.
9. Jasper
Jasper is a reddish gemstone whose color comes from sediment and ash content. Jasper's vibrant colors and durability make it ideal for sculptures, beads, and jewelry. That said, the name Jasper is of Persian origin, meaning treasurer. While the two are not technically connected, they work together pretty well!
10. Jet
Jet black is the darkest shade of black, deriving from the gemstone of the same name. Jet is rare amongst gemstones as it is not actually a mineral, but instead wood that has undergone extreme amounts of pressure. We think this name is super cool and will definitely make your child stand out.
11. Kelly
For parents wishing to connect with Irish heritage, why not consider the unisex name Kelly? Kelly derives from a line of ancient kings, meaning "bright-headed" or "church-goer". Another Irish connection is the shade of Kelly green, a vibrant hue meant the evoke the lush meadows of Ireland.
12. Olive
For a military-inspired name that's anything but drab, look no further than Olive. Olive is a grayish shade of green best associated with American military uniforms during WWII. Symbolizing strength and peace, Olive is also a great contrarian choice in contrast to the more popular Olivia.
Danny De los Reyes on Unsplash
13. Phoenix
In Greek mythology, the phoenix is a bird who is reborn from the ashes of its former self. Phoenixes are often depicted as being reddish-orange in shade. The poignant meaning makes Phoenix a wonderful choice for rainbow babies.
14. Rose
Rose is a classy and timeless name dating back to the Middle Ages. While Rose technically means "fame-kind"—no, we're not quite sure about that one either—it's more commonly associated with the vivid pink color. There are tens of thousands of different rose cultivars, each one as unique as your upcoming bundle of joy.
15. Rowan
Traditionally a masculine name, Rowan derives from an Irish surname meaning "red-haired". Today, Rowan can be used for children regardless of gender. Whether red hair runs in your family, or if you simply want a fantasy-inspired name, Rowan is a great pick.
16. Ruby
During the Victorian era, gemstone-inspired names were all the rage, believing that they would give daughters luck and prosperity. Some of these names aged better than others—frankly, we struggle to imagine anyone named Beryl or Garnet today—but Ruby is timeless. This vibrant red stone is the birthstone associated with July, if you want to name your daughter with her due date in mind.
17. Scarlett
Associated with courage, passion, and joy, scarlet is a bright shade of reddish orange.The name derives from someone who sold scarlet cloth as an occupation, though, today, is best associated with Scarlett O'Hara, Margaret Mitchell's fiery heroine in Gone With The Wind.
Henley Design Studio on Unsplash
18. Sienna
Named for a clay produced in the Italian city of Siena, sienna is one of the oldest colors in the world. It has been used in art for practically as long as humans have been making art—all the way back to cave paintings! Sienna is a classy and unique choice that would be especially fitting for artistic parents.
19. Sterling
Sterling is a mysterious sounding name for boys based on a metal alloy. Sterling silver takes relatively soft pure silver and strengthens it by adding other metals such as copper. A sterling reputation is generally considered flawless, which is the perfect choice for an innocent baby.
20. Violet
The final color of the rainbow, and the last name on our list, Violet comes from the blueish purple plant of the same name. Names starting with the letter v have been mega-popular as of late, and Violet is no exception. This name has been steadily rising in popularity over the past decade, reaching #15 last year.
