Welcome readers! In this post, we’ll be exploring the intriguing question of whether the name Aubrey can be considered a colour. While names are typically used to identify people, some names seem to evoke certain colours or colour palettes. So let’s dive into this topic and see if there’s a case to be made for Aubrey being linked to specific colours.
The Origins and Meanings Behind the Name Aubrey
To understand if Aubrey has colour associations, we first need to examine the history and etymology of the name:
- Aubrey has Germanic roots and is derived from the German names Alberich or Auberic.
- It was brought to England by Norman invaders in the 11th century.
- The name means “elf ruler” or “supernatural being”.
- It can be a male or female name, though is more common for women today.
- Variants of the name include Aubree, Aubri, and Aubriana among others.
So in its origins, Aubrey has connections to mystical creatures and the supernatural realm. But are any specific colours associated with elves or supernatural beings in folklore? Let’s explore further.
Aubrey’s Ties to Nature, Fantasy, and Fairies
The “elf” and “supernatural” meanings of Aubrey evoke images of nature, fantasy, and the fairy realm. When we think of these concepts, certain colours come to mind:
| Concept | Associated Colours |
|---|---|
| Nature | Greens, blues, browns |
| Fantasy | Vivid hues like purple, pink, turquoise |
| Fairies/Elves | Pastels like light green, lavender, soft pink |
Pastel and muted natural tones evoke a sense of magic and whimsy, which fits with the supernatural and fairy meanings behind Aubrey. Let’s see if literary depictions of elves and fairies describe specific colour palettes.
Examining Elf and Fairy Colours in Literature and Art
Famous fairy stories and texts depicting elves can provide further clues into common colour associations:
- In J.R.R Tolkien’s novels, elves often wear forest green and brown to blend into nature.
- Peter Pan’s Tinkerbell is surrounded by a trail of bright glowing yellow fairy dust.
- Shakespeare describes fairies as “crimson, clover, bee, blossom” showing connections to red flowers.
- The Fairy Queen in Midsummer Night’s Dream is associated with ethereal white and silver.
Looking at artwork featuring fairies and nymphs also reveals consistent colour choices:
| Painting | Fairy Colours |
|---|---|
| Waterhouse – Hylas and the Nymphs | Pale green, peach, blue |
| Arthur Rackham Fairy Art | Creams, lavenders, soft blues |
| Brian Froud – Faeries | Earthy tones, greens, browns |
Together, these sources give us an idea of the pastel, natural colour palette associated with fairies and elves. Having explored the meanings and connections of the name Aubrey, let’s now consider common colour perceptions.
Popular Colour Associations with Names
Beyond just meanings, people often form colour associations with names based on the dominant letters and sounds:
- Names starting with “A” are linked to red and blue
- Soft sounding names evoke pinks, whites, and creams
- “Bree” and “bri” endings suggest green or brown hues
- Vowel-heavy names like Aubree can be perceived as light colours
Research has shown the majority of people associate names beginning with “A” with the colours red or blue. One study found:
| Name | Colour Association |
|---|---|
| Aubrey | Blue/Grey (48%) |
| Amelia | Red (68%) |
| Alexander | Red (72%) |
Based on sound and letter patterns, Aubrey skews blue/grey or red in people’s minds. But do these match the etymological meanings we uncovered? Let’s compare the findings.
Comparing Associations for Aubrey as a Colour
If we view all the colour associations with Aubrey together, are there any clear patterns?
| Source | Colours |
|---|---|
| Meanings and Origins | Pastels, greens, blues, browns |
| Literary Depictions | Forest greens, silver, yellow |
| Common Name Associations | Blue, red |
While there is some variation, we can see common threads of green, blue and red tones throughout the different associations. Based on this analysis, **it seems reasonable to associate Aubrey with a pastel, earthy colour palette of greens, blues and neutrals.**
Although reds aren’t directly connected to elves and fairies, the initial “A” sound evokes red for many people. **So a reddish-auburn shade also fits when viewing Aubrey as a colour.**
The Aubrey Colour Palette in Fashion and Design
How might the Aubrey colour associations be applied in the context of fashion, graphic design, or branding? Here are some examples:
- A clothing line called “Aubrey” using neutral greys, pastel greens, rosy creams
- A cosmetics brand with an “Aubrey Pink” lipstick or eyeshadow
- A graphic design colour scheme with deep russet, forest green, and soft dove grey
- A company logo using aubergine purple as an accent colour
Different shades could form a cohesive Aubrey brand palette. Some examples of specific Pantone colours that fit the associations include:
| Pantone Colours for Aubrey |
|---|
| PANTONE 7710 C (Teal) |
| PANTONE 7545 C (Mauve Pink) |
| PANTONE 7549 C (Dusty Pink) |
| PANTONE 7707 C (Grey-Khaki) |
| PANTONE 7513 C (Fawn Brown) |
Gently blending these colours results in a soothing, nature-inspired palette perfect for the whimsical feel of Aubrey.
Conclusion
Based on its fairy-like meanings and origins, analysis of literary depictions, and common colour associations with names, there is a strong case for perceiving Aubrey as a soft, pale colour palette. The most fitting shades are pastel greens, blues and pinks, along with some warmer neutrals like tan, brown, and auburn. These colours evoke the supernatural, whimsical, and elf-like tones connected to the history of the name.
Next time you meet someone named Aubrey, you can picture these cool, earthy tones as their colour essence. Whether applied in fashion branding, graphic design, or any creative medium, the Aubrey palette conjures up a sense of old world magic and charm.
So in summary – yes, Aubrey can certainly be considered a colour! What do you think – would you add any other hues to the Aubrey palette? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!