Blue is one of the primary colors, so it is a very common color that most people are familiar with. However, blue actually has many different names and shades that each have their own unique connotations. Calling the color “blue” is very broad, so in certain contexts, using a more specific name for a shade of blue can be more descriptive. There are many creative and interesting synonyms for the color blue that writers can use to be more evocative in their descriptions.
Cyan
One of the most common names for shades of blue is cyan. Cyan sits between green and blue on the color wheel, making it a vibrant bluish-green hue. When people think of cyan, they may picture the color of tropical ocean waters or bright blue-green tones used in graphic design.
Cyan has connotations of vibrancy, energy, and modernity. It is the official web color named “cyan” used for webpages. In design, cyan can convey a futuristic, innovative, or minimalist aesthetic. Cyan also has soothing associations, making it popular for products marketed as calming or refreshing.
Azure
The name “azure” refers to shades of blue tinged with cyan that are lighter and brighter than navy blue. Azure got its name from the intense blue mineral lapis lazuli. It is commonly used to describe the blue of a clear daytime sky.
Azure is associated with clarity, wisdom, dreams, and tranquility. The soothing qualities of azure blue inspire feelings of relaxation. In graphic design, azure conveys professionalism, reliability, and communication. Azure also represents ambition and expansion as it gives the impression of an endless blue sky.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a gemstone that occurs in various saturation and lightness levels of blue. The signature sapphire blue is a deep, rich, and intense shade. Sapphire blue is darker than azure, but lighter than navy blue.
The name “sapphire” evokes gemstones and luxury. Sapphire blue conveys beauty, grandeur, and mystery. Sapphire gems were believed to hold spiritual and protective powers, so sapphire blue also represents wisdom, purity, and faith. Sapphire blue is associated with depth, power, and sophistication.
Indigo
Indigo is an deep inky blue that sits between navy and violet on the color wheel. The color name comes from the purple-blue dye extracted from the indigo plant used to color fabrics.
Indigo conveys richness, craftsmanship, and integrity. It also carries connotations of the metaphysical and spiritual. Indigo blue crystals and chakras are thought to enhance intuition and inner wisdom. Indigo is also associated with space and the night sky. Overall, indigo blue is mystical, tranquil, and wise.
Cobalt
Cobalt blue is a vibrant blue color named after the element cobalt. This bold blue was historically used to color glass and ceramics. Cobalt blue shades range from a medium cyan-blue to a deep ultramarine.
Cobalt evokes images of brightly colored pottery and decorative glassware. It also suggests richness and stylishness. Cobalt blue is energizing and eyecatching. It symbolizes creativity, individuality, and optimism. The appeal of cobalt comes from its balance of sophisticated vibrancy.
Cornflower
Cornflower blue is a medium blue with subtle purple undertones. The name comes from the vibrant blue color of cornflower blossoms.
Cornflower blue conveys innocence and delicateness. It gives the impression of a clear spring sky. Cornflower blue is soft, sweet, and fresh. It is lighter and brighter than sapphire, but more vibrant than baby blue. The appeal of cornflower blue comes from its subtlety.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle is a pale pastel indigo blue with hints of violet. The color name comes from a small European flower known as the periwinkle plant.
Periwinkle has connotations of spring, cheerfulness, and new life. It also represents spirituality and serenity. Periwinkle blue has feminine associations of gentleness and grace. Its softness gives it a romantic charm. Periwinkle has enough personality to not seem overly delicate or precious.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli refers to a deep, intense, slightly purple-toned blue inspired by the gemstone of the same name. The rich blue comes from traces of the mineral lazurite in the stone.
Lapis lazuli symbolizes royalty, honor, and wisdom. Egyptian pharaohs associated lapis lazuli with the starry night sky. The stones were also powdered and used as the pigment ultramarine in medieval paintings. Lapis lazuli conveys beauty, mystery, and depth.
Cerulean
Cerulean is a vibrant blue named after the sky blue pigment derived from the mineral cerulean. It sits between azure and teal on the color wheel.
Cerulean invokes images of lazily drifting sky blue clouds on a bright summer day. It represents creativity, serenity, and inspiration. Cerulean has a breezy sophistication but is energetic rather than meditative. Cerulean is the color of freedom, joy, and transcendence.
Navy
Navy blue got its name from the dark blue color used in British naval uniforms. Navy is a rich, deep blue that sits between ultramarine and indigo on the color wheel.
Navy blue represents confidence, professionalism, and strength. It has nautical associations of sailors and naval prowess. Navy also conveys intellect, stability, unity, and solidarity. Navy uniforms inspire trust and reliability. Overall, navy blue is classic, adaptable, and versatile.
Ultramarine
Ultramarine is a vivid blue made by grinding the mineral lapis lazuli into powder. The intensity comes from the lazurite crystals in lapis lazuli.
Historically, ultramarine was reserved for the Virgin Mary’s robe in medieval paintings. It symbolizes holiness, devotion, and truth. Ultramarine also conveys richness, profundity, and extravagance. The striking blue makes a bold impression. Ultramarine suggests enlightenment, ascension, and limitless possibilities.
Conclusion
There are so many creative ways to describe different hues of blue beyond just calling it “blue.” Names like azure, sapphire, cobalt, and lapis lazuli convey deeper meanings and associations. Cyan can sound more vibrant and modern, while navy is always sophisticated. Periwinkle has a delicate charm, and cerulean flows off the tongue like a refreshing breeze. Think about the unique connotations of different types of blue and choose descriptive names with purpose. With an expanded blue vocabulary, you can craft more vivid, nuanced images that transport readers into another world.
