Non-Obvious Color Names

  1. Roux
    • Origin:

      French From Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Arusha
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "red"
    • Description:

      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.
  3. Midori
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "green; beautiful bird"
    • Description:

      In Japan, color names are used to symbolize human qualities, and the green hues of Midori name are said to represent fame. While it is a unisex choice in its native Japan, Midori is predominantly used on girls.
  4. Sorrel
    • Origin:

      Botanical name and French
    • Meaning:

      "reddish brown"
    • Description:

      A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice.
  5. Phyllida
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Phyllis
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Varda
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "rose, pink"
    • Description:

      Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.
  7. Omaira
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "long life; red"
    • Description:

      Omaira is an intriguing Middle Eastern possibility.
  8. Roy
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "red"
    • Description:

      If girls have adopted Ray, why not Roy.
  9. Argento
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "silvery"
    • Description:

      A more distinctive alternative to Angelo.
  10. Xanthus
    • Origin:

      Latin, from Greek, variation of Xanthos
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Zelenka
    • Origin:

      Czech
    • Meaning:

      "green"
    • Description:

      A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.
  12. Eldora
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "covered with gold"
    • Description:

      An unusual old school name which is made more modern by that fashionable El- beginning.
  13. Jumana
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "silver pearl"
    • Description:

      Rare and rhythmic.
  14. Vermont
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "green mountain"
    • Description:

      Place-name waiting to be discovered.
  15. Zahavi
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gold"
    • Description:

      A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.
  16. Zehava
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gold, golden"
    • Description:

      The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.
  17. Argenta
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "silvery"
    • Description:

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

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "red"
    • Description:

      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.

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