On the wall of my kids’ playroom is a three-foot-tall vintage color wheel print that I picked up last year when I was traveling. It resembles the small, spinning color wheel that sits on my bookshelf at work and the covers of my color theory books stacked in a pile in my living room. I guess you could say I’m color obsessed.
But even if your life isn’t overtaken by color wheels, you’re probably motivated by color every day. We choose what colors to wear based on our mood, we consider color when deciding between similar products on store shelves, and we use color to show our affiliations, like what teams we cheer for and what schools we attend.
So perhaps it’s no surprise that parents are turning to color as a source of baby-name inspiration. Scarlett, Hazel, and Violet are in the top 50, and we wouldn’t be shocked if Hazel has moved up from its #43 spot when the latest SSA data is released on May 10.
In keeping with this trend, and inspired by our own love of color, we’ve rounded up some color baby names that aren’t so popular– yet. Just as there are more colors in the rainbow than just ROY G BIV, there’s a vast array of color names out there that might be perfect for your little one.
Auburn
We have Amber and Autumn, so why not Auburn? Also a place name, Auburn evokes the warmth of the brownish-red hue and the season of fall.
Azure
Azure is of Spanish origin and makes us think of bright skies and ocean waves. Its soft sound matches the calmness of its meaning, “sky blue.”
Blue
Yes, it’s a high-powered-celebrity baby name, and generally those are on our think-twice list. But Blue is familiar enough that we think it still works, especially as a middle name to a more traditional first name. Plus, Beyonce is more goddess than celebrity anyway. 🙂
Cerise
A French name meaning “cherry,” Cerise would make an unexpected choice for those who want a name that brings to mind the rose-red color without jumping on the Rose bandwagon.
Coral
The Pantone Color of the Year for 2019, Coral is wildly of-the-moment. It’s a name that conjures nature and the sea, has the throwback charm of other “old lady” names, and has the same feminine sound as the popular Cora.
Cyan
We’re struggling to figure out why no one uses this name. Pregnant ladies, please! It has the same sound as Ryan and Brian, and its gorgeous shade of turquoise blue has us dreaming of a tropical vacation.
Grey
The Grayson/Greyson/Gracyn/Gracen surname-name has taken off, and Grey is a pared-down version of the trend. The color has had a major impact on fashion and design in recent years, too, giving Grey an all-around freshness and positive connotation. And, it’s one of our wild card picks for Baby Sussex!
Indigo
Indigo has a lot going for it. Also a floral name, the blueish-purple color name is lent a folksy feel from its Indigo Girls association. Its -o ending keeps it current, and nickname possibility “Indie” is a dream.
Marigold
With its cheerful yellow-orange color, the marigold flower is the inspiration behind this lovable name. Marigold is somehow old-fashioned, aristocratic, and bohemian at the same time. It can be shortened to Goldie to up the vintage flair, or Mary to keep things classic.
Olive
Piggybacking off the popularity of Olivia and Oliver, Olive makes a strong statement. It’s often associated with a symbol of peace, the olive branch, but we like it for its bold-green color and foodie vibes.
Rory
Rory is an Irish baby name that means “red haired,” or “red-haired king.” But no need to be royal (or a redhead) to wear this name. Namesakes including golfer Rory McIlroy and the fictional Rory Gilmore show the versatility of this fiery moniker.
Sienna
Sienna is an orangish-red color and the name of an Italian city in Tuscany (Siena). It’s been popularized as a baby name by Toyota (the Sienna minivan) and actress Sienna Miller, and its appeal continues to grow. While it might not be your kid’s favorite color in the crayon box, we love the burnt, earthy hue.
Xanthe
A head-turner of a name that means golden yellow, Xanthe’s unusual first letter and “Z” sound will set your little one apart, for sure. The name makes us think of the character Xanthippe from “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Plus, its long-E ending makes it fun to say. Xanthe, Xanthe, Xanthe!