Red hair occurs in about two percent of the world’s population! That makes it a very unique trait for baby girls which you might want to highlight with a baby name that means “red” or “redhead.” Because it only occurs in such a small percentage, you might be someone looking for a fiery name that compliments the fire sign your child is born under in the zodiac. Whatever the case may be, there are several baby names for girls that mean “red.”
We decided to take a deep-dive into all things crimson, auburn, strawberry-blonde, and ginger to discover which baby names for girls would appeal to new parents today. As you might expect, a lot of these names come from Irish origins which should appeal to you if you have Irish heritage. Further, these names are just solidly beautiful that any baby girl would be lucky to receive. So, what are the best baby names that mean “red?” Check out our favorite 25 baby names for girls that mean “redhead” or “red” to find the perfect rouge appellation for your treasured child!
25. Scarlett
Scarlett originated as an occupational surname, going to a person who sold scarlet, a luxury wool cloth made in Medieval Europe. The word is thought to come from the Arabic siklāt, referring to silks dyed with kermes. The most desired color of the day was red, thus this name means “scarlet, red.” Last year, Scarlett was the 21st most popular baby name for girls.
24. Flanna
Flanna is an uncommon name that deserves more attention today. Not only is Flanna a beautiful choice, but it also means “red-haired.” This name enjoys Irish origins making it an ideal choice for those looking to celebrate their heritage!
23. Rufina
Rufina is the female form of the treasured Latin name, Rufus. Rufina is a name belonging to at least two Saints which might appeal to Catholic parents. Rufina has suffered in the English-speaking world because it sounds too rough or similar to the word ruffian. We think it’s better than that! This unique baby name means “red-haired.”
22. Carmine
Carmine is a novel Italian baby name that has been used for both boys and girls historically, although today, it has typically gone to boys to celebrate their Italian heritage. The name has not been popular since the seventies which makes it ripe for revival! Carmine has Lain origins and means “vivd red.”
21. Sienna
The storied Tuscan city is spelled Siena, but the Sienna spelling, used by American-born English actress Sienna Miller, is rising even faster. This name was a top 200 choice last year! Sienna refers to the city, of course, but also to an orange-red clay. This is an earthy color name that has taken off and we could not be more pleased by that!
20. Rowan
Rowan is a brilliant gender-neutral name with Irish origins that simultaneously refers to the “rowan tree” which was said to ward off witches in Celtic lore and an Irish surname that means “little redhead.” This charming name is in the US top 500 for both boys and girls today.
19. Cherry
With other sweet names like Clementine, Olive, and Plum ripe for the picking, sweet Cherry remains remarkably underused today. It was most popular as a given name in 1948 and has been rarely chosen since the seventies. Cherry refers to the deep red fruit but it also means “beloved.” Slightly retro, this appellation could be the perfect offbeat option for some parents.
18. Rooney
Actor Rooney Mara has transformed this Gaelic surname into a stylish and elegant given name for girls. Rooney ‘s meaning is disputed but it can mean “red-haired” or “descendent of the champion.” This name is seen more often as a surname but we think it has so much potential as a given one for both boys and girls.
17. Phoenix
Phoenix has emerged as an attractive option for many parents in just the last couple of decades. Phoenix has roots in Greek mythology and folklore as an immortal bird that is reborn again and again like the sun. The Greek elements that comprise the word mean “dark red.”
16. Rory
We’re on a bit of a unisex baby name roll here! Rory is yet another option that works for both girls and boys today. Rory is a top 500 baby name for girls in the US, in the UK, it is never used for baby girls. It would be like naming your daughter Roger to them. Rory has Celtic origins and it means “red king.” For our purposes, we propose “red queen” as appropriate too.
15. Sorrel
Sorrel is a perfect botanical name for plant-loving parents as it refers to the herb but it also has a history as a French name for girls meaning “reddish-brown.” Unfortunately, this baby name for girls has never been popular in the US which might be appealing to those looking for undiscovered treasure.
14. Rousseau
Rousseau is another gender-neutral option that conjures to mind influential eighteenth-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau is a surname in that context but it is also a given name in its native France. This charming and casual-sounding name means “little redhead.”
13. Arusha
The color red plays an important role in Hindu mythology, pointing to the rising sun or the reddish horses of the “son of fire.” Pronounced ahr-OO-shah, this name famously belongs to Uma Thurman’s daughter, along with many others, Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence “Luna” Thurman. Don’t think about that longwinded name too hard! Arusha has Sanskrit origins and means “red.”
12. Flannery
Long before the stylish of using Irish surnames for girls like Kennedy, McKenzie, and Cameron, writer Flannery O’Connor gave this appellation some visibility. If you are into Southern Gothic lit, this could be the perfect choice for you! Flannery actually brings a name we mentioned earlier on this list Flanna. Flannery can mean “descendant of Flannghal” or “red-haired.”
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11. Roisin
Most Americans will see this name and think it’s pronounced ROW-zen but they’d be mistaken. Roisin is actually pronounced ro-SHEEN in its traditional Gaelic setting. This name is hugely popular for girls in Ireland today and we hope it crosses the pond to the US. Roisin has Irish origins and means “little rose.”
10. Ginger
Ginger might be too in-your-face for some parents of redheads but we think this charming name has tons of potential for a baby girl. It’s a spicy appellation that’s also a nickname for a redhead in the UK, and increasingly in the US. Ginger has also traditionally been applied as a nickname for Virginia, which might appeal to you as well. Ginger can mean exactly what it says but as a nickname for Virginia, the name means “pure.” This English name was last popular in the US in the 1980s.
9. Blaze
We are not entirely sure what’s behind the craze for this unique word-name these days but we’re not completely upset about it. Blaze is a unisex name that tends to go to boys, but we think it’s more appealing for a baby girl. Blaze means exactly what you think it does, “fire.” Expect to see this hot name in the US top 1000 in coming years. It’s really catching!
8. Azalea
Azalea is one of the fresher flower names, along with Zinnia and Lilac, that are new to the name bouquet. In fact, it first debuted in the US top 1000 in 2012! This name could be perfect for a spring baby when these colorful flowers typically bloom. While this name does not expressly mean “red,” the blooms of these plants are often found in pink and red making it a subtle option.
7. Akako
The color red was thought to have magical properties in early Japanese culture, with the power to cure blood and other illnesses. Pronounced ah-kah-ko, Akako means “red” when spelled with the proper kanji.
6. Omaira
A name popular in the Middle East Omaira has Arabic origins that mean “long life” or “red.” This name is also significant in the Quranic world as a practice meaning “to perform Umrah” or a pilgrimage to Makkah.
5. Garnet
One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, Garnet is due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl. This name was extremely popular in the early 20th century but fell from use by the 1950s. Garnet is the name of a red mineral and jewel which took its name from French as a word meaning “pomegranate.”
4. Poppy
Spunky Poppy has been a favorite in the UK for years and it has finally begun to take off in the US as well, debuting in the US top 1000 in 2016. It’s now a top 500 pick by new parents. Due to the flower’s bold crimson color, Poppy makes an especially good choice for a redhead. This name comes from English by way of Latin and means “red flower.”
3. Ruby
You did not think you would get through this list without seeing Ruby, did you? Ruby has historically been one of the US’s favorite baby names, landing in the top 500 since 1880, when records first began. She’s currently in the top 100 and we know she’s not going anywhere. Ruby has Latin origins that mean “deep red precious stone.” What a gem!
2. Rose
Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning “famous type.” Like Ruby, Rose has always been in the US top 500. If you want a subtle form of this name, go with Roisin, but if you’re after that Regency feel, Rose works great!
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1. Crimson
Crimson is a baby name for girls with English origins and it means “deep rich red.” In an ideal world, Crimson would be giving Scarlett a run for her money, but this name has never appealed to as many parents as the southern damsel. This elegant option does sound a touch intense and does not offer an immediately apparent nickname other than Red.
There you go! Are you seeing red? We surely hope so! We also hope we inspired you with these baby names for girls that mean “red” or “redhead.” From obvious to subtle, these options offer something for every parent in the market for a particular color name. Little ginger babies are so rare, so be sure to celebrate their uniqueness however you see fit!