What Color Is My Name?

As humans we associate different colors with different sounds, thoughts, emotions, and even objects or animals. For example, you might hear the word “sun” and think of colors like red, yellow, or orange, since these are the colors we associate with the sun. And those colors might make you feel comforted, warm, or optimistic, since that’s how sunlight makes you feel!

One way we think about this is with color theory , which is a kind of “soft science” that maps these associations, as well as which colors tend to work together, and how different combinations of colors make us feel.

With that in mind, let’s explore some common color associations:

Red is associated with things like danger, blood, and strength, but it’s also associated with love, passion, and life. As one of the primary colors, meaning no other colors can mix together to create it, it’s one of the pillars of the color spectrum, which is probably part of why we find it so evocative.

Orange is like the midway between red and yellow. It's a positive and upbeat color, like yellow, but it also holds the powerful and passionate associations of red. Maybe that’s why we lend it to a holiday like Halloween, which is both macabre and fun. Orange is a color that’s daring and loud, but also warm and welcoming.

Yellow has maybe the most positive and upbeat associations on the color spectrum, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the color of sunshine, fresh flowers and autumn leaves. But we all know that there is such a thing as too much yellow, since it’s a fairly loud color that sometimes doesn’t know how to keep its voice down.

Green is the color of nature and all things living. Green trees, shrubs, moss, water. It’s a calming and reassuring color that connects us with something a little primal. It’s also the color of some darker emotions, like envy or resentment, which just speaks to its versatility. Green has the range!

Blue is sometimes called the most calming color on the spectrum. It’s a deep sky or a calm ocean, a breath of fresh air or rejuvenating rain. It’s a thoughtful and contemplative color that tends to soothe our minds. It’s spiritual!

Purple is the color of royalty, luxury, and power. These associations have some historical roots, as purple dyes were often considered rare or difficult to obtain, so only the wealthiest people could enjoy purple clothing. As a mix of red and blue, it’s both passionate and calming, and often represents ambition or extravagance.