User-created list
Non-Obvious Color Names
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Xanthe
Greek
"golden, yellow"
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. This extravagant name, which, like many Greek names beginning with X, is…
Xanthus
Latin, from Greek, variation of Xanthos
"golden-haired"
Spelt Xanthos in Greek, this alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound (pronounced ZHAN-thus) and can always be shortened to Xan.
Zahavi
Hebrew
"gold"
A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.
Zehava
Hebrew
"gold, golden"
The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.
Varda
Hebrew
"rose, pink"
Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.
Beryl
Greek
"sea-green jewel"
Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.
Irving
Scottish
"green river, sea friend"
It might be surprising to know that this name originated as a Scottish place and surname name, as in Washington Irving. It became a popular choice for first-generation Jewish-American boys, such as…
Midori
Japanese
"green; beautiful bird"
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…
Oran
Hebrew, Irish, Scottish
"light, song, little green one"
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…
Phyllis
Greek
"green bough"
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,…
Phyllida
Greek variation of Phyllis
"green bough"
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 . It's a name…
Vermont
French
"green mountain"
Place-name waiting to be discovered.
Zelenka
Czech
"green"
A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.
Argenta
Latin
"silvery"
More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.
Argento
Latin
"silvery"
A more distinctive alternative to Angelo.
Eirian
Welsh
"silver, bright, brilliant, snow"
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…
Jumana
Arabic
"silver pearl"
Rare and rhythmic.
Naja
Greenlandic, Arabic or Navajo
"boy's younger sister; success; or silver hands"
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…