The Poetry of Pigments - The Hidden Stories Behind Colour Names

Throughout history, names have served as a reflection of identity and vocation. In times past, family names were often rooted in professions or descriptive traits. For example, surnames such as Butcher or Baker directly denoted the occupation of a family.

Patronymic names were relationship-based, signifying lineage or association—such as Johnson, meaning "son of John," or Kilpatrick, identifying followers of a leader named Patrick.

Occupation-based names such as Smith were derived from the local blacksmith, while location-based surnames, such as Wood, referenced nearby landmarks. Adjective-based surnames also emerged from notable family traits—an Old Man Michael’s descendants, for example, could have become known as the Oldmans. These conventions of terminology offer insight into how humans naturally assigned meaning to names within their social frameworks.

But what about colour? How did colours come to be named, and what may interior designers learn from this rich history of linguistic evolution?

The Origins of Colour Names

In ancient civilisations, colour terminology was sparse. Languages often had words only for black, white, and red, which were linked to concepts of darkness, light, and life or blood.

According to the research of linguists such as Berlin and Kay (1969), the progression of colour naming in most cultures followed a predictable sequence: after black, white, and red, languages developed terms for green and yellow, then blue, and finally brown and other nuanced shades.

The scarcity of colour terms in early languages can be attributed to the functional and symbolic roles colours played rather than aesthetic variety.

For example, Homer famously described the sea as "wine-dark" in The Odyssey, a term that likely referred more to its mood or mystery than to its literal hue.

The Relationship Between Words and Perception

Studies in linguistic relativity, such as those by Dr. Jules Davidoff, suggest that the names we assign to colours influence how we perceive them. In his study of the Himba tribe in Namibia, Davidoff found that without a distinct word for a specific shade of blue, members struggled to distinguish it from green.

This demonstrates how language shapes sensory experience and underscores the significance of colour naming in modern design practice.

Naming Colours in the Modern Era

As societies evolved, so too did the complexity of colour referencing. During the Renaissance and subsequent centuries, increased trade and advances in dye technology introduced a spectrum of hues never before seen in common life.

Colours such as "Carmine," derived from cochineal insects, and "Cerulean," inspired by the sky, captured imaginations and became symbols of status and creativity.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, marketing and branding have turned colour naming into a powerful tool.

Paint companies, textile designers, and fashion houses invest heavily in crafting evocative names that conjure emotions, aspirations, and even memories.

Consider the evocative charm of shades such as "Elephant’s Breath," "Parisian Night," or "Tuscan Sunset" — each tells a story that transcends the colour itself.

Practical Insights for Interior Designers

Interior designers should recognise that selecting a colour is as much about choosing its name as its hue. The right name can evoke associations that resonate deeply with clients, aligning with their values and experiences. For instance:

• A calming grey labelled "Silver Mist" may feel more serene and luxurious than the same shade named "Dull Concrete."
• A vibrant yellow named "Golden Hour" evokes warmth and nostalgia, while "Lemon Zest" suggests energy and freshness.

Psychologically, names inspire colour with personality. Research published in The Journal of Consumer Research indicates that unique, descriptive names are perceived as more appealing than generic ones. Designers may harness this effect by choosing colours that not only match the aesthetic goals of a space but also align with its intended emotional impact.

Research and Resources for Further Exploration

• Berlin, B., & Kay, P. (1969). Basic Color Terms: Their Universality and Evolution.
• Davidoff, J., Davies, I., & Roberson, D. (1999). "Colour categories in a stone-age tribe," Nature.
• Saunders, B. A. C., & van Brakel, J. (1997). "Are there nontrivial constraints on colour categorization?" Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

As interior designers, we wield the power to influence not just the look of a room, but the way it feels and functions within the human experience.

When selecting your next palette, consider the story each colour tells. Choose names that inspire, comfort, or energise—names that bring personality to pigment and depth to design.

What will your next colour story be? Perhaps it’s time to step beyond the swatches and into the world of narrative-driven hues, where every shade has a history, and every name holds a key to connection.

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