Names that Mean Red or Redhead
- Cordovan
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"native of Cordoba; Cordovan leather"Description:
This strong sounding choice is associated with a type of tanned leather that takes its name from the city of Cordoba in Spain, the region in which it was originally made. Cordoba itself is sometimes said to mean "good town".
- Russo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
An Italian surname — a variant of Rossi — meaning "red", hence a red-headed person. Russo is punchy and full of gusto, and very rare as a first name. It debuted on the US charts for boys in 2019.
- Rogan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"redhead"Description:
Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan.
- Cinnabar
Origin:
Word name, English from GreekMeaning:
"deep red mineral"Description:
Associated with a vivid red-orange-colored lacquer, would make a more than distinctive color-related choice.
- Reading
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the red-haired"Description:
Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.
- Pyrrhus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"flame-colored, red, fiery"Description:
An unusual name form Greek mythology, Pyrrhus is an alternative name for Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. In this case, Pyrrha was the name of the woman Achilles once disguised himself as, and so it was passed on to his son.
- Arushi
Origin:
Sanskrit, HindiMeaning:
"dawn, red sky"Description:
Representing early morning sunshine, Arushi is an evocative Hindi choice for a daughter. Indian actress Arushi Sharma is a notable bearer.
- Rustyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Ruston, EnglishMeaning:
"rush town"Description:
A contemporary spelling of the English surname Ruston, Rustyn originally referred to someone who lived in a marshy town where grass-like rush plants grew. In 2024, however, it became a fast rising choice for boys in the US when it was given to 70 babies, compared to just 12 the year prior. In fact nearly a quarter of all Rustyns born in the US were born in 2024.
- Burgundy
Origin:
French place-name; also color nameDescription:
Ron Burgundy was Will Ferrell's fictional helmet-haired newsman, but this color name is much more suited to a girl.
- Nezuko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"red bean child"Description:
This demon name from the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, was one of the highest debuts of 2021, when it was given to 20 baby girls. It rose to 29 girls in 2022.
- Kurenai
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"crimson"Description:
This Japanese color name is not bestowed upon baby girls, but it's been used for many fictional characters.
- Pyrrha
Origin:
Feminine form of Pyrrhus, GreekMeaning:
"flame-colored, fiery, red"Description:
A name associated with fire and the autumnal shades of orange and red, Pyhrra is both a feminine form of the name Pyhrrus, and a figure in Greek mythology herself. A daughter of Pandora and Epimetheus, she and her husband are the only survivors of a flood sent by Zeus.
- Flann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"ruddy, red-haired"Description:
Friendly, cheerful Irish name that originated as a nickname for a redhead. Potential problem: reminiscent of the Spanish custard.
- Reed
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
- Hong
Origin:
ChineseMeaning:
"rainbow or red"Description:
A unisex Chinese name with a multitude of different meanings, depending on the characters used.
- Russet
Origin:
English, FrenchMeaning:
"reddish brown"Description:
Rustic and cosy, Russet is a color name, associated with the reddish-brown hues of earth and autumn, with homespun cloth, apples, and perhaps less appealingly, potatoes. While it has never featured in the US charts, it has plenty of potential.
- Rubio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"red-haired, ruddy"Description:
Bright and lively in sound, Rubio is a Spanish surname which was originally used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It ultimately derives from the Latin root rubers meaniing "red", which connects it to the popular Ruby.
- Flame
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
There are many fire-related names, from Aidan to Fiammetta, but the Flame isn't one that's often found on birth certificates. It's a highly symbolic word: flames can represent faith, passion and cleansing, for example, as well as straightforward heat and light.
- Rojo
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"red"Description:
Colorful middle name choice.
- Russet
Origin:
English, FrenchMeaning:
"reddish brown"Description:
Russet has a lot of potential. It's a rustic word name, associated with homespun cloth, apples, and an earthy shade of reddish-brown. At the same time, it's similar enough to the likes of Russell, Ross, Bennet and Emmett that it doesn't sound too out of place. Surprisingly, however, it has never featured in the US charts — perhaps held back by its link to potatoes?
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