Non-Obvious Color Names

A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice.

A modern Welsh name that will be misunderstood as Irene.

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

If girls have adopted Ray, why not Roy.

Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.

Omaira is an intriguing Middle Eastern possibility.

A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.

One of several similar feminine names often found in the Muslim world but also a Native American name. And in Greenlandic, Naja means "a boy's younger sister", which could be a sweet connection to a big brother. It's a relatively popular name in Denmark.

Spelt Xanthos in Greek, this alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound (pronounced ZHAN-thus) and can always be shortened to Xan.

Rare and rhythmic.

A more distinctive alternative to Angelo.

A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime names that mean new beginnings.

The color red plays a prominent role in Hindu mythology, referring to the rising sun or the reddish horses of the "son of fire." Pronounced ahr-OO-shah, it has a stylish Russian flair. Hindi version is ARUSHI.

More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.

Place-name waiting to be discovered.

The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.

The color red was considered to have magical properties in early Japanese culture, with the power to cure blood and other illnesses. Pronounced ah-kah-ko.