Purple is a color that evokes feelings of mysticism, creativity, and royalty. Throughout history, the color purple has been associated with wealth, nobility, and prestige. Choosing a name that means purple can be a great way to give your child a name connected to these positive qualities. There are many options to choose from across various cultures and origins. In this article, we will explore name meanings related to the color purple and help you find the perfect name for your little one.
Names Meaning Purple in English
English names with meanings related to the color purple are perhaps the most familiar options for English-speakers. Here are some top picks:
Violet – Derived from the name of the purple flower, Violet is the most common English name meaning purple. It has a soft, feminine sound.
Iris – In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow. Iris is another purple flower name.
Lilac – A lilac is a light purple flower, giving this name a purple association. Lilac is a fresh, floral name for a girl.
Lavender – Lavender is a light purple color and a fragrant purple flower. As a name, Lavender is whimsical and sweet.
Amethyst – Amethyst is a purple gemstone. This makes it a bold, jewel name choice for your daughter.
Mauve – Mauve is a soft purple shade, lending this name artsy vibes. It’s a unique alternative to other purple names.
Wisteria – Wisteria is a cascading purple flower. This mellifluous nature name is perfect for a musically-inclined little girl.
Heather – Heather is a pinkish-purple wildflower that grows in the Scottish Highlands, giving this name a subtle purple connection.
Amora – This name comes from the Portuguese word for “purple.” It’s an exotic, melodic choice.
Ione – In Greek mythology, Ione was a sea nymph who gave her name to the purple hyacinth flower.
Names Meaning Purple in Other Languages
Looking beyond English opens up many more interesting purple-related names to consider:
Murasaki – This pretty Japanese name means “purple.” Murasaki was also the name of a 10th century Japanese novelist.
Yanesha – An unusual choice, Yanesha comes from Quechua and means “purple mouth.”
Mavi – Mavi means “blue” or “purple” in Turkish. It’s short, sweet, and to the point.
Lila – In Sanskrit, Lila means “play” and is another name for the Hindu goddess Durga. It’s also a word for “purple.”
Mauveen – A variation of Mauve, Mauveen is an English name invented in the 19th century from the French word for mallow, a purple plant.
Purpura – Purpura is an extravagant Latin name meaning “purple.” It would make a bold statement.
Iolite – Iolite is a violet-blue mineral. As a name, it’s unusual and has a pretty sound.
Fioleta – In several Slavic languages, Fioleta means “purple.” It’s an exotic choice for an English-speaker.
Nila – Nila is a unisex Sanskrit name meaning “blue, dark blue, or purple.” In India, Nila is another name for the goddess Parvati.
Neroli – Neroli oil is extracted from the blossoms of bitter orange trees. It’s known for its light purple color and fresh scent.
Names of People and Places Associated with Purple
Some names have strong historic or pop culture connections to the color purple:
Portia – In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Portia wears purple robes as a symbol of royalty and wealth.
Janis – Singer Janis Joplin was nicknamed “The Purple One” for her colorful style and persona.
Prince – Musician Prince frequently performed in purple outfits and used it in his visual branding.
Iris – Belgian artist Iris Van Herpen is known for her futuristic fashion designs in shades of purple.
Plum – Fashion icon Plum Sykes is recognized by her signature violet glasses and style.
Wisteria Lane – Wisteria Lane is the picturesque suburban street on the TV show Desperate Housewives.
Lila – Lila Fowler is a character in the Sweet Valley High book series who loves wearing the color purple.
Amethyst Realm – In the TV show Steven Universe, Amethyst is one of magical Crystal Gems who has purple skin.
Byzantium – Byzantium is a shade of pale purple inspired by the rich purple garments of ancient Byzantine royalty.
Choosing a Purple Name for Your Baby
When searching for that perfect purple name, keep the following tips in mind:
– Make sure you like both the sound of the name and the meaning behind it. Your child will wear it for life!
– Look for names that pair nicely with your last name and won’t result in any awkward initials or rhymes.
– Consider names popular in your family background or ethnic heritage. For example, Murasaki for a Japanese baby.
– Think about names that honor relatives, like using Grandma Violet’s name as your baby’s middle name.
– Opt for a short purple name, like Lilac, if you plan to use a long last name or multiple middle names.
– Give your child options by including a purple name as a middle name, like Sophie Amethyst.
As you can see, there are so many choices when it comes to purple names! The symbolic royal color gives these names an elite, magical aura. Whether you select a common English pick like Violet or a rare exotic choice like Purpura, a purple name will make your daughter’s moniker feel special. Trust your instincts to find that perfect meaningful purple name to complete your baby girl’s identity.
Popularity of Purple Names
While many purple names have been around for decades or longer, some are more commonly used today as first names than others. Here is a ranking of purple name popularity in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration:
| Name | Popularity Rank |
|---|---|
| Violet | #47 |
| Iris | #293 |
| Lavender | #4,951 |
| Lilac | #13,677 |
| Wisteria | not ranked |
| Amethyst | not ranked |
| Mauve | not ranked |
As you can see, Violet is by far the most popular purple name for girls, ranking #47 in 2023. Iris comes next at #293. More obscure choices like Mauve, Amethyst, Lilac, and Wisteria were not ranked at all, meaning fewer than 5 babies were named this in the year. So parents looking for a truly unique purple name have many unconventional options to consider.
Conclusion
Naming a child is a big responsibility since that name identifies them for a lifetime. Parents wanting a name that connects to richness, creativity, spirituality, or mysticism may be attracted to purple-related names. From floral picks like Violet and Lavender to gemstone names like Amethyst, there are so many shades of purple names to love. Keep an open mind, consider meanings carefully, and don’t be afraid to choose something uncommon. Trust your instincts to find that perfect purple name to match your precious new daughter.