Choosing a name for a new baby can be a daunting task for many parents. While some parents opt for family names or names with special meanings, others look to more unique sources of inspiration for baby name ideas. One interesting approach is to consider colors as potential baby names. Certain colors like Ruby, Violet, and Scarlett have long been used as first names. But parents today have many more colorful options to choose from. In this article, we will explore some of the less common color names that could make for stylish and unique baby name choices.
Factors to Consider When Using Colors as Baby Names
When considering a color word for a baby name, there are a few key factors to weigh:
– Gender appropriateness – Some color names lean more feminine (like Lilac) while others skew masculine (like Steel). Think about colors that work for the gender of your baby.
– Uniqueness – Opt for more obscure shades to find a color name that’s not overused. While Ruby and Violet are rising in popularity, colors like Azure or Crimson are still quite rare as baby names.
– Connotations – Make sure the color doesn’t have any unfortunate associations. For example, while Forest is a nice nature name, Olive may evoke thoughts of the fruit more than the green shade.
– Last name flow – Say the full name out loud to make sure the color first name flows well with the last name.
Colorful Girl Names
Here are some colorful baby name ideas for girls that could make creative alternatives to more popular names:
Azure – The name of this brilliant blue shade conjures up images of a bright, cloudless sky.
Blossom – This pretty pink flower name has a playful, springtime vibe.
Cerise – Meaning “cherry” in French, it’s an elegant color name belonging to a vivid cherry red.
Clover – Clover’s green, four-leaf associations give this an Irish flair.
Ember – Ember’s subtle fire connotations add heat to this color name meaning ” glowing coals”.
Golden – Gold’s metallic shimmer gives Golden an intriguing edge over other color names.
Indigo – This deep blue hue has a bohemian appeal.
Ivory – Ivory is an elegant shade associated with pearls and antiquity.
Jade – Jade is a precious green gemstone name.
Lavender – This light purple carries a soft, floral vibe.
Magnolia – The white flowers of the magnolia tree give this name a graceful essence.
Navy – Navy’s nautical flair gives this stylish blue name a bold pop.
Olive – More associated with the green fruit, but still a potential color name choice.
Peach – Sweet peach conveys the lush orange color of the fruit.
Pearl – Pearl’s association with iridescent white seashells makes this name shimmer.
Poppy – Poppy’s red blossom image is energetic and lively.
Rose– Rose is one of the most popular and recognizable floral color names.
Sage – Sage is a gray green hue with peaceful, woodsy connotations.
Sky – The vast blueness of the sky makes this an airy color name for a girl.
Sunny – Cheerful and warm, Sunny is a vibrant yellow possibility.
Willow – The trailing branches of the willow tree give this green nature name graceful flair.
| Colorful Girl Names |
|---|
| Azure |
| Blossom |
| Cerise |
| Clover |
| Ember |
| Golden |
| Indigo |
| Ivory |
| Jade |
| Lavender |
| Magnolia |
| Navy |
| Olive |
| Peach |
| Pearl |
| Poppy |
| Rose |
| Sage |
| Sky |
| Sunny |
| Willow |
Colorful Boy Names
While color names can lean feminine, there are still plenty of options that lend themselves well to boys too:
Auburn – Auburn’s reddish brown hue gives it an outdoorsy, woodsy feel for a boy.
Azure – The vivid blue Azure works well for either gender.
Berry – Berry is an energetic red option for a boy.
Birch – The white bark of the birch tree makes this a crisp nature name.
Blue – While perhaps best as a middle name, the simplicity of Blue could work for a first name too.
Bronze – Bronze calls to mind the shimmering reddish brown metal.
Coal – Coal’s blackness gives it an earthy edge.
Copper – Copper is a metallic orangey red option.
Crimson – Deeply red Crimson has a bold and sophisticated style.
Ebony – Ebony’s rich black tone creates a cool aura.
Flint – Flint is a strong gray name associated with stones.
Forest – Forest conjures up peaceful images of lush green woods.
Frost – Frost’s icy white associations give this cool name a wintry vibe.
Grayson – Gray is lightened up by the playful “son” ending.
Indigo – This deep purple blue works well for either gender.
Ivory – Ivory lends an elegant touch.
Jade – Jade’s green gemstone essence has an adventurous edge for a boy.
Navy – Navy is a bold, nautical-themed blue name.
Onyx – The sleek black shine of onyx stone makes this name striking.
Silver – Metallic silver is both stylish and edgy.
Steel – Steel’s hard strength gives this gray name a machismo flair.
| Colorful Boy Names |
|---|
| Auburn |
| Azure |
| Berry |
| Birch |
| Blue |
| Bronze |
| Coal |
| Copper |
| Crimson |
| Ebony |
| Flint |
| Forest |
| Frost |
| Grayson |
| Indigo |
| Ivory |
| Jade |
| Navy |
| Onyx |
| Silver |
| Steel |
Gender Neutral Color Names
Some color-inspired names have universal appeal and work nicely for either girls or boys:
Ash – Ash is a crisp, unisex gray name.
Auburn – Auburn works well for both a boy or girl.
Azure – The beauty of this blue transcends gender.
Cedar – Cedar is a rugged nature name referencing reddish wood.
Emerald – This lush green gemstone name pops for any gender.
Goldie – Goldie maintains gold’s gilded shimmer in a gender-neutral form.
Grey – Grey is a straightforward, minimalist option.
Indigo – A boy or girl could pull off this bohemian blue shade.
Jade – Jade’s adventurous edge appeals to any gender.
Morgan – Morgan means “sea-born” but is not tied to a gender.
Peyton – Peyton feels contemporary and not distinctly masculine or feminine.
Raven – Raven’s sleek black bird association works for any gender.
Reese – Reese originated as a boys’ name meaning “ardor” but now feels neutral.
Rowan – Rowan is a strong nature name with red berry associations.
Sage – Sage has peaceful, woodsy vibes suitable for any gender.
| Gender Neutral Color Names |
|---|
| Ash |
| Auburn |
| Azure |
| Cedar |
| Emerald |
| Goldie |
| Grey |
| Indigo |
| Jade |
| Morgan |
| Peyton |
| Raven |
| Reese |
| Rowan |
| Sage |
Most Popular Color Baby Names
While this article has focused on more unconventional color name options, here is a look at the most popular color-inspired baby names in the US as of 2022, according to Social Security Administration data:
Girls
1. Violet (#36)
2. Scarlett (#20)
3. Ruby (#47)
4. Olive (#57)
5. Jade (#110)
Boys
1. Hunter (#47)
2. Sterling (#87)
3. Jasper (#190)
4. Forest (#344)
5. Azure (#504)
| Most Popular Color Names | |
|---|---|
| Girls | Boys |
| Violet (#36) | Hunter (#47) |
| Scarlett (#20) | Sterling (#87) |
| Ruby (#47) | Jasper (#190) |
| Olive (#57) | Forest (#344) |
| Jade (#110) | Azure (#504) |
Conclusion
Colors can be inspiring choices when selecting a name for your baby. While popular picks like Violet and Ruby remain fashionable, there are also many more unique color name options to consider, from Azure to Crimson, Frost to Poppy. Whether you want something recognizable or more one-of-a-kind, a color name could be the perfect fit for your little boy or girl. Just be sure to choose a hue that sounds great with your last name! We hope this guide gave you some fresh ideas to add a splash of color to your baby name list.
