Non-Obvious Color Names

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

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.

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

Euphonic hybrid of the sounds of Melissa and Laura. Melora Hardin is an actress who was featured on The Office.

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.

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

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.

Place-name waiting to be discovered.

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

A more distinctive alternative to Angelo.

If girls have adopted Ray, why not Roy.

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

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

Rare and rhythmic.

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

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

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

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.