Other Names for the Color Red (What To Know)

Red, a powerful and dynamic color, often evokes emotions of love, passion, and even danger.

It’s no wonder that over time, various names and adjectives have emerged to describe this captivating hue.

In fact, there are numerous shades and synonyms for the color red, ranging from deep maroons to bright crimsons, each carrying its own distinct characteristics and artistic significance.

As you delve into this vibrant world of red, you’ll discover that each unique shade comes with its own name, whether inspired by nature or by human creativity.

Common red shades include claret, scarlet, and vermilion; some synonyms on the other hand are ruddy, warm, glowing, and rosy.

Not limited to just one or two words, this fascinating color can be described in multiple ways – and isn’t it only fitting that such a versatile color is expressed in such diverse terms?

Here we’ll explore the wide spectrum of reds, their various shades and synonyms, and the meanings behind each of them.

Primary Shades of Red Names

Red colors have various names and meanings, offering a diverse range to choose from.

Let’s explore some primary shades of red that you might come across.

Scarlet is a bright and powerful shade of red with a slightly orange undertone. Keep in mind its versatility when decorating or designing, as it can be both vibrant and elegant.

Here are the codes for Scarlet: Hex #FF2400, RGB 255, 36, 0, and CMYK 0, 86, 100, 0.

Ruby is a deep and rich red that often reminds people of the gemstone it’s named after. This shade is luxurious and royal, making it perfect for accent pieces and statement walls.

The codes for Ruby are as follows: Hex #CD5C5C, RGB 205, 92, 92, and CMYK 0, 55, 55, 20.

Crimson stands out as a distinctive, slightly cool shade of red with purple undertones. It’s great for a bold and unique touch in your projects.

You can identify Crimson with these codes: Hex #DC143C, RGB 220, 20, 60, and CMYK 0, 91, 73, 14.

Carmine is a vibrant and slightly darker shade of red with a touch of blue undertones. This color has an elegant and visual appeal, making it popular in fashion and design industries.

The codes for Carmine are: Hex #960018, RGB 150, 0, 24, and CMYK 0, 100, 84, 41.

Vermilion brings forth a vivid and bright red-orange mixture that evokes energy, warmth, and excitement. It works well in contrasting color combinations.

Here are Vermilion’s codes: Hex #E34234, RGB 227, 66, 52, and CMYK 0, 71, 77, 11.

Burgundy is a classic and sophisticated shade of deep red with hints of purple and brown. It’s often associated with elegance and richness, making it a popular choice for formal settings.

The codes for Burgundy are as follows: Hex #900020, RGB 144, 0, 32, and CMYK 0, 100, 78, 43.

Deep Red is a bold and dark shade of red, providing an intense and mysterious feel to any design or décor. When used thoughtfully, it creates an unforgettable impression.

The codes for Deep Red are: Hex #8B0000, RGB 139, 0, 0, and CMYK 0, 100, 100, 45.

Maroon is a stylish and earthy red-brown color that exudes warmth and elegance. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking to create a cozy and refined atmosphere.

The codes for Maroon are as follows: Hex #800000, RGB 128, 0, 0, and CMYK 0, 100, 100, 50.

Secondary Shades of Red Names

Did you know that there are so many shades of red out there, each with their own unique names?

Let’s explore a few specific secondary shades, such as brick red, cordovan, cardinal red, and auburn.

Brick Red is a rich, warm hue that resembles the color of bricks. It has more of an earthy tone compared to other red shades.

Its hex code is #CB4154, and its RGB values are 203, 65, 84.

Cordovan is a deep burgundy shade, inspired by the color of cordovan leather. This color conveys sophistication and elegance, and it’s often used in fashion and interior design.

The hex code for cordovan is #893F45, and its RGB values are 137, 63, 69.

Cardinal Red is a vivid and intense shade, similar to the color of a cardinal bird’s plumage. It’s surprisingly versatile, making it popular in various applications like sports team colors and branding.

The hex code for cardinal red is #C41E3A, and its RGB values are 196, 30, 58.

Auburn is a reddish-brown color, often associated with hair color. It’s a warm shade that bridges the gap between red and brown, providing a more natural look.

The hex code for auburn is #A52A2A, and its RGB values are 165, 42, 42.

Names of Red Shades in Nature

You might have come across various shades of red in nature, each with its own unique characteristics and charm.

Let’s look at some popular ones:

Rosewood is a deep, rich shade that has a touch of warm undertones. It reminds you of the color of the hardwood from which it gets its name.

As a versatile shade, rosewood works well in fashion, interior design, and graphic design.

Spanish Red gives off a vibrant and energetic vibe, reminiscent of the traditional red used in Spanish culture and art.

This bright shade is a symbol of passion and emotion, and it’s perfect for making a statement.

Fire Engine Red is a bold, intense shade that captures the essence of a fire engine’s bright red color.

It exudes a sense of urgency and importance, making it an attention-grabbing option for various applications.

Tomato red is a versatile shade with slight orange undertones, resembling the color of a ripe tomato.

This hue balances warmth and vibrancy, making it ideal for accents in design or fashion.

Names of Red Shades in Art and Design

Madder, salmon, and cinnabar are just a few of the many red color shades often used in art and design.

Each has its unique characteristics and applications, adding depth and variety to your creative projects.

The madder shade is a warm and earthy tone typically associated with ancient dyes.

It’s rich in history and has been used by artists since the Middle Ages.

Madder is a great choice when you want to evoke feelings of tradition, depth, and warmth in your artwork or designs.

Salmon red, on the other hand, is a lighter and more playful shade.

With its hex code, #FA8072, and RGB values of 250, 128, 114, it has a soft, muted appearance.

Often seen in interior design and fashion, salmon can bring a touch of femininity and warmth to your work without being overly bold or intense.

Cinnabar, a vibrant and intense red shade, leans towards the orange end of the spectrum.

It’s closely related to the pigment vermillion and has been used in various cultures throughout history.

Cinnabar is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a bold, energetic color that can convey passion, power, or excitement.

Here’s a quick comparison of the three shades and their respective color codes:

Shade	Hex Code	RGB
Madder	#B33C39	179, 60, 57
Salmon	#FA8072	250, 128, 114
Cinnabar	#E34234	227, 66, 52

Remember, when incorporating these red shades into your designs, it’s crucial to consider the emotions and messages you want to convey.

Darker Shades of Red Names

You might come across various deep and dark shades of red in nature, interior design, and fashion.

Let’s explore some of these shades and how they stand out.

Black Wine: It’s a rich, deep shade of red commonly associated with red wines. As the name suggests, it’s so dark that it appears black, hence the name.

You’ll find this color often in luxurious fabrics and as an accent color in interior design.

Chocolate Cosmos: A unique, darker red, chocolate cosmos derives its color inspiration from a specific species of cosmos flowers.

These flowers have an almost velvety deep red hue with a hint of brown and an alluring fragrance.

This color is perfect for adding depth and warmth to a room or wardrobe.

Mahogany: Known for its association with the hardwood, mahogany is a dark reddish-brown color. It’s an elegant and sophisticated shade, suitable for furniture and decorative items in a home setting.

Besides that, mahogany is also a popular choice for accessories, like leather bags or shoes.

Light Shades of Red Names

You can find various light shades of red that add a touch of warmth and brightness to any design.

Among these lighter shades, you’ll often encounter colors like Light Salmon, Light Coral, and Blush.

Each of these shades brings a unique hue to the red spectrum, making them versatile for a range of applications.

Light Salmon (Hex #FFA07A, RGB 255, 160, 122) is a delightful blend of red and orange, resulting in a warm hue that reminds you of a salmon filet’s color.

This shade works great in interior design when you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Pair it with neutrals like beige or cream to maintain a soft and balanced look.

On the other hand, Light Coral (Hex #F08080, RGB 240, 128, 128) leans more toward the pink side of red, offering a refreshing twist on the classic color.

This shade is perfect for adding a touch of playfulness to your projects.

It complements colors like pale blues and greens, making it an excellent choice for spring and summer designs.

There’s Blush (Hex #DE5D83, RGB 222, 93, 131), an elegant mix of red and pink that gives off a delicate and sophisticated vibe.

This shade is an excellent choice for wedding themes, fashion, or any design where you want to convey a sense of refinement.

Red Variations in the Fashion Industry

As you delve into the world of red in fashion, you’ll discover that there are various shades to explore.

Some popular ones include ruby, garnet, chili red, and rose red.

Each of these shades has its unique characteristics and makes a statement in the fashion world.

Ruby, for instance, is a bold and dark shade that resembles the precious gemstone of the same name.

This striking hue is often seen in luxurious fabrics, such as silk and velvet, and in the realm of evening wear.

It adds instant glamour to any outfit and is a favorite choice for designers when creating opulent and eye-catching pieces.

Another deep and luscious variation is garnet, which leans more towards the burgundy and maroon family of reds.

This rich color is perfect for the cooler months, as it is often found in cozy, warm materials like wool and cashmere.

Garnet is a versatile shade that pairs well with neutrals and complementary colors, making it a staple in many fall and winter wardrobes.

When it comes to adding a little spice to your style, chili red is the way to go.

This vibrant shade, with its orange undertones, is reminiscent of the heat and intensity of a chili pepper.

It’s perfect for making a statement and adding a pop of color to any outfit.

Designers often incorporate chili red on statement pieces, such as jackets, shoes, and accessories, to elevate a look with a daring touch.

There’s rose red, a softer and more romantic tone perfect for those who want to embrace the color red without going for its intense versions.

This hue is most commonly found in delicate fabrics, like chiffon and lace, and often becomes a key palette in spring and summer collections.

Rose red evokes a feeling of femininity, making it an ideal choice for dresses, blouses, and even wedding attire.

Unique Names for Red

As you explore the vast world of colors, you may be surprised to find that there are numerous unique names for the color red.

Here you’ll get introduced to some lesser-known yet visually appealing variations of the color red, such as Radical Red, Upsdell Red, Rebel, and CG Red.

Radical Red is a vibrant, bold shade that catches your attention immediately. With a purely energetic presence, this hue can be represented by its HEX code #FF355E and RGB (255, 53, 94) combination.

Upsdell Red is named after a famous British art lecturer and designer, Leonard Upsdell. It offers a richer, darker tone of red with a sophisticated touch.

You can identify this shade with its HEX code #AE2029 and RGB (174, 32, 41) values.

Rebel is not just a term referring to someone who goes against the norms, but it’s also a unique shade of red. It’s a deep, velvety red with a hint of rebelliousness, making it truly stand out.

To find this shade in your digital palette, use its HEX code #A90329 and RGB (169, 3, 41) formula.

CG Red or Cadmium Red is a warm, bright hue with a slight hint of orange.

This color was originally derived from the cadmium mineral, popularly used in the pigment industry.

The HEX code for this shade is #E03C31, and its RGB combination is (224, 60, 49).

Names of Striking Red Colors

Fire brick, candy apple red, fluorescent red, and Ferrari red are some of the most striking red hues that you may come across.

Let’s delve into these vibrant shades to better understand their characteristics and possible applications.

Fire Brick: With its Hex code #B22222 and RGB values of 178, 34, 34, fire brick boasts a bold and intense hue that can make a statement.

Ideal for accent pieces in interior design or bold attire, this rich shade of red exudes strength and confidence.

Candy Apple Red: This vibrant color (Hex #FF0800, RGB 255, 8, 0) is reminiscent of the sweet treat that shares its name.

Perfect for anything from classic cars to striking nail polish, candy apple red is a lively and head-turning shade that is sure to catch anyone’s attention.

Fluorescent Red: When you think of attention-grabbing reds, fluorescent red is undoubtedly one that comes to mind.

With its vivid brightness, this color (Hex #FF3E3E, RGB 255, 62, 62) is often used for high-visibility safety gear, striking advertising materials, and eye-catching decorations.

Ferrari Red: Also known as “Rosso Corsa” (Hex #D40000, RGB 212, 0, 0), this iconic shade of red is synonymous with the luxury car brand, Ferrari.

Used on their famous sports cars, this radiant color is a symbol of speed, prestige, and unmatched performance.