names with colorful meanings

Worthy sibling for Oak, Elm, Juniper, and Spruce.

Cyan is a highly unusual blue-green color name, a classmate of Celadon and Cerulean. It does come with the homey nickname Cy.

Given to around 25 girls in the US each year, this is a name that could go either way - summery and refreshing or just plain sour. You decide.

Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.

Long heard as a last name, as in venerable poet Robert, U.K. talk show host David, British actress Sadie and old Jack Frost, Frost has suddenly entered the scene as a possible first, along with other seasonal weather names like Winter and Snow.

Orchid is a hothouse bloom that has not been plucked by many modern baby namers — yet. In the language of flowers, orchids symbolize love, beauty, and sophistication.

One of the more unusual nature names, Maize is given to a dozen or so boys and girls each year and is almost completely unisex in terms of usage. It could also be short for Maisie/Maizie. Disclaimer: potential for "corny" jokes.

Azura is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It derives from the Persian word "lazward" meaning blue or azure, and is connected to the blue gemstone lapis lazuli. In Hebrew tradition, Azura appears in some texts as the name of Adam's wife before Eve. The name evokes images of clear blue skies and the brilliant blue color of the azure stone. With its exotic sound and meaningful connection to nature, Azura has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek names with both beauty and substance. The name carries a mystical quality while remaining accessible and pronounceable, making it an increasingly attractive choice for parents seeking something uncommon yet melodic.

A modern Welsh name that will be misunderstood as Irene.

Unusual and beautiful blue green color and name possibility, a la Cerulean.

This early Welsh saint's name is unusual and lovely, waiting to be discovered. Saint Arianell was a member of the Welsh royal family who was possessed by a spirit which was exorcised by Saint Dyfrig, who became Arianell's spiritual teacher.

While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.

Viridis is a medieval Italian name which is also the Latin word for green. This name is a beautiful option for parents looking for an unusual name that conveys freshness, youth, springtime and nature.

Y-ending color adjectives like Tawny and Rusty are nowhere near as stylish as the more sophisticated Lilacs and Violets.

Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice. This name is also associated with bay leaves, the bay laurel, the contemporary term of endearment, "bae", and the Old English word beġ meaning "berry"

An unusual old school name which is made more modern by that fashionable El- beginning.

An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.

With the recent arrival of fruit names like Apple and Plum, this more traditional example, symbolic of fertility, might rise in popularity. Photographer Berry Berenson was born Berinthia.

Sunshine was seen as a quintessential hippie name of the 70s, reaching as high as Number 536 in 1975. Now such names are making a bit of a retro comeback, seen, for example, as a character on Glee.

Hard and shiny, Steel projects an image that's smooth, macho...and cold to the touch.