Naming colors can be a fun and creative process. The name you choose for a color conveys a certain feeling or meaning, so it’s important to pick something appropriate. There are no strict rules, but some key factors to consider are the color’s appearance, historical associations, intended use, and your personal inspiration. With so many potential names, the possibilities are endless! This article will provide tips and ideas to help you brainstorm and select the perfect name for any color.
Consider the Color’s Appearance
The first step is to carefully observe the color. What shades, hues, and tones do you notice? Does it remind you of something in nature or everyday life? Describing the visual qualities can spark descriptive color names.
For example, a soft peachy pink could be called “Ballerina Slippers” or “Sweet Pea,” while a bold royal purple might be “Majestic Cape” or “Velvet Night.” Think about the color’s temperature too – warm reds and oranges are associated with heat and fire, while cool blues and greens evoke water and sky.
You can also look at the color’s brightness and saturation. A pastel or muted color may suit a name like “Whispering Dusk” or “Faded Denim,” while a highly saturated neon could be “Electric Lime” or “Radiant Fuschia.”
Consider Historical and Cultural Associations
Certain colors have long-standing connections to history, culture, art, fashion, and more. Leverage these associations to come up with meaningful color names that “fit” the shade.
For instance, ruby red may lend itself to jewel-inspired names like “Precious Garnet” or “Silk Road Rubies.” A nautical navy blue could become “Admiral’s Choice” or “Ocean Abyss,” while a purple resembling royalty might be “Emperor’s Robes” or “Medieval Majesty.”
Think about colors that represent places, eras, styles, materials, plants, gems, foods, and other cultural touchpoints. A warm tan could be “Desert Sand” while a leafy green becomes “English Ivy.” Have fun playing with imagery and themes!
Reflect the Color’s Intended Use
If the color will be used for a specific product, branding, design, or space, keep that purpose in mind. The name should capture the right mood, emotion, and palette.
Soft muted colors for a baby nursery could have names like “Sweet Dreams” or “Teddy Bear Picnic.” Bold dynamic hues for an athletic wear line might be “Limitless Energy” and “Adventure Seeker.” An earthy slate green for a garden space could be “Mossy Path” or “Nature’s Carpet.”
Think about the feelings you want to evoke, and brainstorm descriptive names that will speak to the audience and set the right tone. This helps the color name tie back and enhance the overall application.
Draw From Your Own Inspiration
Finally, look inward for inspiration from your own experiences, interests, and imagination. Fun color names can come from:
| Favorite foods and drinks | “Blueberry Sky”, “Hazelnut Cream”, “Ginger Snap”, “Black Cherry Cola” |
| Songs, books, and movies | “Yellow Submarine”, “Emerald City”, “Scarlet Fever” |
| Childhood memories | “Playground Purple”, “First Day of School Blue”, “My Blankie” |
| Inside jokes and word play | “Banana Drama”, “Prince Charmin'” |
Keep an open mind and jot down any color name ideas that come to you. You can refine the list later to choose options that best fit the shade.
Tips for Choosing and Refining Your Color Name
Once you have a broad list of possibilities, here are some tips for narrowing it down:
– Say the names out loud to test how they sound. Pick options that roll off the tongue.
– Mix descriptive words with more abstract or emotional names. For example, “Sunset Orange” and “Confident Mango.”
– Make sure the name fits the color! Double check that impressions match.
– Pick 1-3 words max. Shorter is usually better.
– Avoid trademarked names or terms that are too generic. For example, “robin’s egg” or “reddish purple” could apply to many colors.
– Consider the context for the color name and whether it sets the right tone.
– Ask friends with a good sense of color for their input and suggestions.
Trust your instincts to guide you to the perfect color name!
Methods to Systematically Name Colors
If you want to take a more systematic approach to color naming, there are some standard methods and formats you can follow:
The Pantone Method
Pantone is an industry standard color matching system used across design fields. Each Pantone color has an assigned number + name combination. For example:
– Pantone 18-1663 TPX – True Red
– Pantone 14-4313 TCX – Electric Violet
– Pantone 16-4528 TPG – Evening Blue
This naming format provides a precise universal way to identify colors. But it lacks descriptive appeal.
The Natural Color System (NCS)
This color model names colors based on visual similarity to common items in nature. The format follows:
[Hue] highest chroma – [whiteness/blackness]
For example:
– Red 60 – Yellowish
– Green 80 – Blackish
– Yellow 30 – Normal
NCS names are logical and intuitive, directly linking colors to visual references. However, the technical format lacks creativity.
The Multi Online Naming Method
This method combines a color’s hue, tone, and shade into descriptive names. The structure is:
[Tone] [Hue] [Shade]
Some examples:
– Soft Apricot Pink
– Vibrant Lime Green
– Pale Sky Blue
By incorporating multiple attributes, these names paint a vivid picture of the color’s appearance. The formulaic approach ensures consistency too.
The RAL Color Standard
RAL is a color matching system used for paints and coatings. RAL colors are specified by number + descriptive name:
– RAL 1028 – Melon Yellow
– RAL 5002 – Ultramarine Blue
– RAL 4004 – Claret Violet
The numbers allow precise color replication, while the creative names add personality. However, the RAL palette is more limited than other systems.
Best Practices for Naming a Color Collection
If you are developing a complete color palette or collection, keep these tips in mind:
Ensure Contrast Between Names
Avoid repetitive or similar sounding names. For example, if you have both “Daisy” and “Daffodil” that might get confusing. Strive for variety.
Have a Naming Convention
Give the set cohesion by utilizing a consistent structure, format, or theme. For example, naming all colors after gemstones, fruits, or artists.
Indicate Relationships
If colors are linked mixtures, variants or complements, show this in the naming. Example: “Robin Egg Blue” and “Robin Egg Blue – Light” or “Sunshine” and “Sunshine Shadow.”
Consider Order and Flow
Arrange the color names in an intentional sequence that makes logical sense. Alphabetical or gradient order are common options.
Include Identifying Codes/Numbers
Assign each color a code or number for easy internal identification, even if you give them creative names. For example, “GYB12 – Stormy Sea.”
Conclusion
Naming colors is a fun challenge that calls on your creativity, intuition, and inspiration. Observe the color closely, leverage meaningful connections, reflect usage, and infuse your own personality. Aim for names that spark emotion and capture your color vision! Follow best practices if developing a complete palette. With an infinite array of potential names, you’re bound to find the perfect fit.