Red is connected to passion, courage, warmth, celebration, and strength. It can also bring to mind autumn leaves, glowing sunsets, bright flowers, and precious gemstones.
Some names on this list literally mean “red,” while others mean “red-haired,” “scarlet,” or “flame-colored.” You will also find names inspired by red gemstones, plants, pigments, and fire.
Meanings can vary by language, spelling, and the characters used, so it is worth researching a name’s cultural background before making your final choice.
Girl Names That Mean Red
1. Akane
Akane is a Japanese name associated with the madder plant, which has traditionally been used to create red dye. It can also refer to a rich crimson color, depending on the kanji chosen.
2. Humaira
Humaira is an Arabic feminine name meaning “reddish” or “little red one.” It is often associated with rosy cheeks or a warm, reddish complexion.
Humayra is another common spelling.
3. Rossa
Rossa comes from the Italian word for “red.” It is a rare choice with a simple, romantic sound and may appeal to parents who like Rosa but want a stronger color connection.
4. Scarlet
Scarlet comes directly from the English word for a vivid shade of red. This spelling is less common than Scarlett but has the same bold, elegant quality.
5. Scarlett
Scarlett is the most familiar version of the name. It developed from a surname connected to people who made or sold scarlet-colored cloth.
The name now carries a stylish, dramatic image without feeling too unusual.
6. Pyrrha
Pyrrha is an Ancient Greek name meaning “flame-colored” or “red.” It also appears in Greek mythology, giving it a strong historical and legendary background.
7. Shani
Shani is a Hebrew name meaning “scarlet” or “red.” It is short, melodic, and can be used for either a girl or a boy.
8. Hongmei
Hongmei is a Chinese name that may combine characters meaning “red” and “plum blossom.” The image of red plum blossoms gives the name a graceful but resilient character.
9. Xiaohong
Xiaohong can mean “little red” when written with the appropriate Chinese characters. It is a warm, affectionate name, though its precise meaning depends on the characters selected.
10. Ruby
Ruby is the name of the deep-red gemstone traditionally associated with love, vitality, and protection.
Although Ruby does not literally translate as “red,” its color connection is unmistakable. It has a cheerful vintage style and is easy to recognize in many countries.
11. Cerise
Cerise is the French word for “cherry.” It is also the name of a bright pinkish-red shade.
As a first name, Cerise sounds polished and artistic while remaining far less common than Rose or Ruby.
12. Poppy
Poppy comes from the delicate flower known for its brilliant red petals. It has a bright, playful sound and a strong connection to nature.
13. Sienna
Sienna is associated with the reddish-brown pigment called burnt sienna. The name also refers to the historic Italian city of Siena.
It is a softer option for parents who want a warm color name without choosing a direct shade such as Scarlet.
Boy Names That Mean Red
14. Rohit
Rohit is a South Asian name derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “red” or “reddish.” It may also suggest the warm light of the rising sun.
Rohit is widely used in India and other parts of South Asia.
15. Ruadh
Ruadh is an Irish and Scottish Gaelic word meaning “red.” It was traditionally used as a nickname or name for someone with red hair.
The spelling is distinctive, though the pronunciation may need occasional explanation outside Gaelic-speaking communities.
16. Ruadhán
Ruadhán is an Irish name formed from a word meaning “red” and a diminutive ending. It is commonly interpreted as “little red one.”
The name is connected to Irish history and early Christian tradition.
17. Ruaidhrí
Ruaidhrí is an Irish name meaning “red king.” It combines Gaelic elements for “red” and “king,” giving it one of the strongest meanings on this list.
Rory is its familiar English form.
18. Rory
Rory comes from the Irish Ruaidhrí and shares its meaning, “red king.”
It is short, friendly, and widely recognized. Although traditionally masculine, Rory is now also used for girls.
19. Flann
Flann is an Irish name meaning “red” or “blood red.” It appeared among early Irish rulers and warriors, giving it a strong historical background.
Its compact sound makes it an interesting alternative to Finn or Flynn.
20. Reid
Reid comes from a Scottish surname related to the meaning “red.” It was often used to describe someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
The spelling gives it a crisp, modern appearance.
21. Reed
Reed developed from an English surname connected to an Old English word meaning “red.” Like Reid, it may originally have described a red-haired person.
Today, the name also brings to mind the tall waterside plant, adding a subtle nature association.
22. Russell
Russell comes from a Norman French nickname meaning “little red one.” It was probably first given to someone with red hair or a reddish complexion.
Russell is a familiar traditional name with the easy nickname Russ.
23. Rufus
Rufus comes from a Latin word meaning “red” or “red-haired.” It began as a Roman nickname and later became an established given name.
The name has a warm, vintage quality and a slightly playful edge.
24. Pyrrhus
Pyrrhus is an Ancient Greek name meaning “flame-colored” or “red.” It is best known through King Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose costly military victories gave rise to the phrase “Pyrrhic victory.”
It is a dramatic choice with deep historical roots.
25. Edom
Edom is a biblical name connected to a Hebrew word meaning “red.” In the Hebrew Bible, it is associated with Esau and the land occupied by his descendants.
Edom is short and easy to pronounce, though it remains rare as a modern first name.
26. Sohrab
Sohrab is a Persian name often interpreted as containing elements connected to “red” and “water.” It is best known from the Persian epic, the Shahnameh.
The legendary warrior Sohrab gives the name a heroic but tragic literary history.
27. Rubeus
Rubeus comes from a Latin word meaning “red” or “reddish.” Modern readers may recognize it as the first name of Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter series.
Its strong literary association makes it unusual but memorable.
28. Radcliff
Radcliff is an English surname name meaning “red cliff.” Radcliffe is another established spelling.
It has a formal, old-world sound and offers the possible nicknames Rad or Cliff.
29. Adam
Adam is traditionally connected to the Hebrew word adamah, meaning “earth” or “ground.” That word is related to adom, the Hebrew word for red, possibly referring to reddish soil.
The connection is less direct than names such as Rufus or Rohit, but it gives Adam an interesting link to both earth and color.
Unisex Names Connected to Red
The following names do not all literally translate as “red.” Instead, they are associated with red shades, gemstones, plants, fire, or other naturally red objects.
30. Rowan
Rowan is commonly associated with the rowan tree, which produces clusters of bright red berries. The name also has links to Irish and Gaelic words connected to redness or red hair.
It has become a popular nature name for children of any gender.
31. Crimson
Crimson is the English word for a deep, rich red. It is a bold modern name that immediately brings the color to mind.
Because it is so distinctive, some parents may prefer Crimson as a middle name.
32. Carmine
Carmine is both an established Italian masculine name and the word for a vivid red pigment. The color was traditionally produced using cochineal insects.
The name has a creative, vintage character and is especially familiar in Italian American communities.
33. Garnet
Garnet is a gemstone name most strongly associated with deep-red stones. It was occasionally used as a first name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Garnet feels rare, earthy, and quietly elegant.
34. Auburn
Auburn describes a rich reddish-brown shade, particularly when referring to hair. It also works as a place name through Auburn cities and towns in the United States.
As a first name, it has a warm, autumnal mood.
35. Ember
An ember is a small piece of wood or coal that continues to glow after a fire. Its orange-red light represents warmth, endurance, and energy that has not completely faded.
Ember is modern and vivid without being as direct as Flame or Blaze.
36. Phoenix
The phoenix is a legendary bird that rises again from its ashes. It is usually pictured in fiery shades of red, orange, and gold.
Phoenix is a strong unisex name associated with survival, renewal, and transformation.
37. Coral
Coral is a nature name connected to marine life and warm shades of pink, orange, and red. It was especially fashionable during the late Victorian and early 20th-century periods.
Its soft sound makes it a gentler alternative to Scarlet or Crimson.
38. Cherry
Cherry comes from the small red fruit and has long been used as a nickname and occasional given name.
It has a bright, sweet quality, though it may feel more playful and informal than traditional color names.
How to Choose a Name Connected to Red
Start by deciding how obvious you want the color connection to be.
Names such as Rossa, Rohit, Shani, Ruadh, and Edom have meanings directly related to red. Scarlet, Crimson, Ruby, and Garnet express the color through familiar English words. Rowan, Ember, Phoenix, and Poppy offer a more subtle connection through nature and symbolism.
Before choosing, consider:
- How the name is pronounced in its original language
- Whether you want to preserve traditional accents or spellings
- How it sounds with your family name
- Whether the red meaning is literal or symbolic
- Possible nicknames
- The name’s cultural, religious, or historical background
For a striking choice, consider Crimson, Pyrrha, Rubeus, or Scarlet. Ruby, Rory, Rowan, Reid, and Adam are easier to blend into everyday life. Humaira, Rohit, Shani, and Ruadh provide stronger cultural roots and more direct meanings.
A red-inspired name can feel fiery and fearless, but it can also be warm, romantic, and full of life. The best choice is one whose sound, meaning, and history all feel right for your family.
