Non-Obvious Color Names
- Ophira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.
- Oran
Origin:
Hebrew, Irish, ScottishMeaning:
"light, song, little green one"Description:
A calm and gentle multicultural choice. Oran is popular in Ireland, where its Gaelic form is Odhrán, meaning "little green one". In Scottish Gaelic, the name means "song", and in Hebrew, it's a combination of Or "light" + Ran "singing".
- Orla
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"golden princess"Description:
Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.
- Orville
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"gold town"Description:
Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.
- Phoenix
Origin:
Arizona place name and GreekMeaning:
"dark red"Description:
Phoenix is a New Age name symbolizing rebirth and immortality. It's also a place name, a color name, a mythological name, AND an animal name, combining several of today's hottest trends in one appealing package.
- Phyllida
Origin:
Greek variation of PhyllisMeaning:
"green bough"Description:
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.
- Phyllis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"green bough"Description:
Phyllis has been used by classical poets for the idealized pastoral maiden. A Greek mythological name of a woman who was turned into an almond tree, Phyllis was in the Top 100 from 1916 to 1958, reaching #24 in 1929, and has the (remote) possibility of joining other revived s-ending names like Iris. In the 'St Clare' book series by Enid Blyton Phyllis is nicknamed Fizz. Just a thought. Phyllida is a variation that sounds at once more old-fashioned and more stylish.
- Rory
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red king"Description:
Rory is a buoyant, spirited name for a redhead with Celtic roots. The name Rory is getting more popular overall, but for the past few years has been trending decidedly toward the boys' side -- however, it's been rising to new heights for girls in recent years.
- Roux
Origin:
French From LatinMeaning:
"russet"Description:
Roux, a color name meaning russet or reddish brown, is a possible middle name for your little auburn-haired babe, though a post-Hunger Games child would more likely be called Rue. Roux is also a culinary term for a mixture of fat and flour used in French cooking to make sauces.
- Roy
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"red"Description:
If girls have adopted Ray, why not Roy.
- Sorrel
Origin:
Botanical name and FrenchMeaning:
"reddish brown"Description:
A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice.
- Varda
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rose, pink"Description:
Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.
- Vermont
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"green mountain"Description:
Place-name waiting to be discovered.
- Xanthe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"golden, yellow"Description:
X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front.
- Xanthus
Origin:
Latin, from Greek, variation of XanthosMeaning:
"golden-haired"Description:
Spelt Xanthos in Greek, this alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound (pronounced ZHAN-thus) and can always be shortened to Xan.
- Zahavi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gold"Description:
A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.
- Zehava
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gold, golden"Description:
The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.
- Zelenka
Origin:
CzechMeaning:
"green"Description:
A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.