Color Names

Instead of the more obvious Aqua, Turquoise, or Blue, consider this offbeat Arabic name, brought into the American name pool by actress Fairuza Balk (named by her father for the color of her eyes). Since turquoise is the birthstone for December, Fairuza is one of the perfect names for December babies.

Extreme cool possibilities in either of these modern categories, like a postmodern Linc.

Onyx is a fresh and trending gemstone name for boys, currently in the US Top 500, having climbed the charts rapidly since 2018. Now, an increasing number of girls are receiving the name, with a recent count revealing nearly 200 baby girls were called Onyx in 2023.

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 strong, warm name and a strong warm color. Would make an excellent alternative to August or Aubrey.

Grey is the more common spelling in Britain and Australia. This color name has a softness and ambiguity which makes it equally lovely for a boy or a girl.

Save this for your next run to Starbucks.

Grayling is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from nature. The name refers to the grayling, a type of freshwater fish found in clear streams and known for its distinctive dorsal fin and silvery-gray coloration. As a given name, Grayling belongs to the category of modern nature-inspired names, similar to River, Brook, or Trout. The suffix "-ling" historically denotes something small or young, adding a gentle quality to the name. Grayling has never achieved widespread popularity as a first name, making it a truly distinctive choice. It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon nature name with a subtle sophistication and connection to wilderness and flowing waters.

Russell has gone away, but the more feminine Russet may move in to take his place.

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

This is an Anglicized form of various names; the Irish Gaelic O Bruic; German, Bruck or Breck, meaning "swamp" or "wood"; Yiddish, Brik, "bridge"; and Slovenian, Bric, "dweller from a hilly place." Gosh, and we thought it was just a macho word name invented by Tennessee Williams for the hero of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Conjures up the rich brown colors of raw and burnt umber, but it may be too close to girls' Amber.

The singer known as Pink (born Alecia) brought this hue onto the name-possibility palette, especially as a middle choice. Could Pink be the next Blue?

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

Emerald is the intriguing color and jewel name of the deep green stone treasured as far back as ancient Egypt — it's supposed to open one's heart to wisdom and to love and be good for strengthening relationships — which could make for an interesting, unusual name, particularly with the popularity of so many Em-starting names.

Among the first wave of word names used in the hippie era, it actually is a legitimate girl's name with a lot of luster.

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

Cerulean is just beginning to be heard as a name thanks to its distinctive sounds and the appealing electric-sky-blue it evokes. Reminiscent of Ocean, Aurelian, Cyrus, and Caspian, it was given to just 5 babies in 2024, but that could change in coming years.

This color name, spelled either Gray or Grey is rapidly catching on. Actress Jenny von Oy recently called her daughter Gray Audrey.

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