names with colorful meanings

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

Dune is a name of several layers. It's a modern nature name, like Ocean, Bay and Reef, although rarer, conjuring up images of breezy sand dunes on summer beach days.

This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more interesting choice.

Projects the calm and pristine image of the picturesque Swiss lake and mountain town.

Dark horse Irish surname.

This charming spelling of Lillie had its heyday in the late 1800s and ranked in the Top 100 until the end of the 1920s. It dropped off the Top 1000 completely in the 1980s and 1990s but is now back in play.

More common -- when it was common -- with the Meyer spelling.

As likely to be tied to the detergent as to the rhythms of the ocean.

Cabot is an attractive English surname associated with the daring early Italian-born British explorer known as John Cabot; his birth name was Giovanni Caboto.

A modern, unisex Welsh name with a shiny feel, Eirian can mean "silver" (from Welsh arian) or "snow, brilliant, bright" (from eira). It may appeal to those who like rising star Eira, but want something longer, or more gender neutral.

A sparkly elaboration of the color name Azure, Azura is a vivid choice that may appeal to those who enjoy Azaria, Aurora, Astrid, and Alara. Used in English to mean "sky blue", azure ultimately comes from the Persian lājvard meaning "lapis lazuli", making this a color and a gemstone name.

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

Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.

Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.

Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000, while 2024 saw it jump up the charts again by over 100 places, making it a To 500 name.

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.

Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.

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

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

One of those names you may not even be aware of if you haven't been paying attention to recent naming trends, Alani was given to more than 700 baby girls in the US in one recent year, to be the second most popular feminization of Alan after Alana. It's certainly the most modern-sounding female version of Alan.