Choosing a name that pairs well with the color red can be an exciting process for parents who are expecting a baby with red hair or are just drawn to the vibrant hue. When picking out names, it’s important to consider meanings, associations, and how the first name flows with the middle and last name. In this article, we’ll explore great name options for boys and girls that go nicely with the bold and energetic color red.
Boy Names for Red
For baby boys, names connected to red gems, red plants, or the essence of red can make fitting choices. Here are some top picks:
- Ruby – A red gemstone. Ruby is a classic name associated with vibrant red.
- Garnet – After the rich, red birthstone for January.
- Rowan – A tree with red berries and compound leaves.
- Phoenix – A mythical bird cyclically regenerated or reborn from fire and ashes. Connected to red and orange flames.
- Blaze – Means “flame.” Blaze evokes the red hot glow of fire.
- Rory – Of Gaelic origin and means “red king.”
- Russell – An Old French name meaning “red-haired” or “red-complexioned.”
- Adam – Hebrew for “red earth.” In the Bible, Adam was created from the red clay of the Earth.
- Valentine – From the Latin word “valentinus” meaning “strong and healthy.” Associated with Valentine’s Day and red roses.
Nature names like Phoenix and Rowan give a subtle connection to the color red through their meanings. Ruby and Garnet directly reference rich red gems. Rory, Russell, and Adam link to red colorings. Blaze and Valentine connect to red objects or themes.
Girl Names for Red
For girls, flower names are a popular way to tie to red. Names meaning red or redhead also work beautifully. Ideas include:
- Rose – Named for the red flower, which also stands for love.
- Poppy – A red flower and symbol of remembrance.
- Scarlett – Means “red” or “scarlet-colored.”
- Ruby – After the red gemstone. A lush, vivid name.
- Cherry – A red fruit with sweetness.
- Reda – The feminine form of Reed. Of English origin meaning “red-haired.”
- Rory – Of Gaelic origin meaning “red king.” Works for boys or girls.
- Rowan – A unisex tree name referencing red berries.
- Phoenix – The mythical fire bird rising from ashes in red/orange flames.
- Ember – Means a small piece of burning coal. Evokes glowing red-orange light.
Flower names like Rose, Poppy, and Cherry reflect the vivid reds found in nature. Scarlett, Ruby, and Reda directly relate to red color. Rory, Rowan, and Phoenix have subtle ties to red through meanings. Ember conjures glowing red coals and flames.
Tips for Choosing a Name for Red
When selecting a name with red associations, here are some tips to consider:
- Make sure it fits with the last name. Say the first and last name together out loud to check flow.
- Consider nicknames and initials to avoid unintended results.
- Know the name’s meaning and origins. Pick something meaningful.
- Go for names that won’t seem dated years later.
- Choose names you genuinely love the sound of. You’ll use it frequently!
While names connected to red can be special, don’t fret if you fall for a name with different associations. The right baby name is one you adore saying over and over again.
Popularity of Red-Related Names
To gauge the popularity of red-related names, here’s a look at US Social Security Administration baby name data for some top options:
| Boy Name | Rank in 2021 | Girl Name | Rank in 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 119 | Scarlett | 20 |
| Rowan | 100 | Ruby | 69 |
| Adam | 87 | Poppy | 697 |
| Garnet | 1508 | Cherry | 2383 |
| Rory | 298 | Rose | 141 |
For boys, Phoenix, Rowan, and Adam rank in the top 150. Garnet and Rory are less common. For girls, Scarlett and Ruby are most popular, ranking in the top 100. Rose also ranks high at #141. Poppy, Cherry, and other flower names are rarer but have potential to rise.
Middle Names for Red
Using a middle name is a great way to factor red into a name without it dictating the first name. Middle names connected to red include:
- Ruby
- Rose
- Poppy
- Scarlett
- Autumn
- Phoenix
- Crimson
- Garnet
- Rowan
- Flora
Names like Ruby, Rose, Scarlett, Garnet, and Rowan contain direct red associations. Autumn, Phoenix, Crimson, and Flora evoke red tones or imagery. Poppy is a red flower name that works well in the middle.
Sibling Names for Red
If older siblings already have red-inspired names, here are some ideas for coordinating names:
- Brothers: Ruby, Garnet, Phoenix
- Sisters: Scarlett, Cherry, Crimson
- Brother and sister: Rowan and Rose, Adam and Amber, Russell and Poppy
Mixing red gem names, nature names, and literal “red” names creates consistent connections. The alliteration of Ruby and Garnet makes them a great brother pair. Rowan and Rose sound pleasant together as botanical names. For one boy and one girl, options like Adam and Amber have matching first letters.
Names with Red Nicknames
Names that shorten to red nicknames are another option, like:
- Roberta – nicknamed “Red” or “Reddy”
- Richard – often called “Rich” or “Rick”
- Robin – nicknamed “Rob” or “Red”
- Rudolph – nicknamed “Rudy” like the red-nosed reindeer
- Rosalind – nicknamed “Rosa”
- Autumn – nicknamed “Red” for Fall leaves
Autumn, Robin, Roberta, and Rosalind can naturally take on “Red” type nicknames. Richard and Rudolph shorten to similar sounding nicknames containing “R.” Having nickname potential adds flexibility.
Names for Redhead Babies
If baby has a headfull of beautiful, red locks, consider names meaning redhead or red-haired like:
- Russell – “Little red one” of French origin
- Redmond – An Irish name meaning “red-haired protector”
- Rory – Gaelic name for “red-haired king”
- Reda – Feminine variant of Reed meaning “red-haired”
- Rufus – Latin for “red-haired”
- Adam – Hebrew name meaning “red earth”
Russell, Rory, Redmond, Reda, Rufus, and Adam directly relate to red hair. Other nature names like Rowan, Fox, Sienna, Auburn, and Phoenix can also suit.
International Names Connecting to Red
Some interesting international names with ties to red include:
- Japanese – Akane (brilliant red), Benimaru (red circle), Kou (crimson)
- Spanish – Roja (red), Rosado (rose colored), Rubi (ruby)
- French – Rouge (red), Rubis (ruby)
- Polish – Czerwony (red)
- Russian – Rubin (ruby)
In Japanese, Akane, Benimaru, and Kou relate to red shades. Roja, Rosado, and Rubi have Spanish connections. Rouge and Rubis are French. Czerwony is Polish for “red.” And Rubin ties to rubies in Russian.
Conclusion
Choosing a name that complements the bold color red can be meaningful for parents attracted to red’s energy. Nature names like Rowan, Ruby, Poppy, and Phoenix make lovely options. Scarlett, Reda, Rory, and Russell directly reference red. Roja, Rouge, Akane, and Czerwony are some international picks. Nicknames and middles names can also factor in red. Most importantly, pick a baby name you completely adore!