Yellow is a bright, warm color that evokes feelings of happiness, optimism, and sunshine. There are many different shades and hues within the yellow color family, ranging from light pastels to deep golden tones. When discussing yellow, common color names that come to mind include lemon, sunshine, daffodil, gold, honey, and amber. However, there are many more creative and descriptive names for the various shades of yellow. In this article, we will explore some of the diverse vocabulary used to identify different yellow hues.
Light Yellows
On the lighter end of the yellow spectrum are hues like lemon, corn, butter, and custard. These pale yellows remind us of familiar objects or foods like lemons, corn kernels, butter, and custard desserts. Other light yellow shades include:
| Canary | Buttercup | Primrose |
| Daisy | Jonquil | Mimosa |
| Dandelion | Naples | Blonde |
Canary yellow takes its name from the bright yellow feathers of a canary bird. Buttercup and primrose yellows are named after cheerful spring flowers. Daisy, jonquil, and mimosa yellows are also flower-inspired. Dandelion yellow mimics the color of fuzzy dandelion heads, while Naples yellow is a pale ochre pigment used in oil paintings. Blonde yellow describes the fair color of blonde hair. All of these pastel yellows remind us of youthfulness, new beginnings, and cheerfulness.
Mid-tone Yellows
Moving into the medium-light yellow shades, we get hues like banana, pineapple, and corn. Food-inspired yellows continue with colors like marigold, saffron, mustard, and cheddar. Other medium yellow shades include:
| Sunflower | Daffodil | Sunbeam |
| Daylily | Sweetcorn | Canola |
| Graham | Acacia | Tuscany |
Sunflower, daffodil, daylily and marigold yellows are named after bright yellow flowers. Sunbeam and sweetcorn yellows evoke warmer, sunlight tones. Saffron is the vivid yellow spice, while mustard describes the condiment. Cheddar recalls the hue of orangey yellow cheese. Graham yellow is a grayish shade of yellow named after Alexander Graham. Acacia yellow mimics the acacia flower, while Tuscany yellow is inspired by the region in Italy. These dynamic yellows represent joy, warmth, clarity, and energy.
Deep Yellows
The deeper yellow shades start moving towards golds and oranges. Common deep yellows include amber, gold, and goldenrod. Other vivid yellow hues include:
| Sunset | Honey | Lemon |
| Tea | Gamboge | Yellow ochre |
| Sunglow | Tiger | Lion |
Sunset, sunglow, honey, and tea yellows are rich, warm tones inspired by nature. Gamboge describes the deep saffron pigment. Yellow ochre is an earthy clay pigment. Tiger and lion yellows evoke the golden fur of big cats. Lemon yellow is a bright, acidic tone. These bold yellows symbolize energy, prestige, prosperity, and enlightenment.
Dull Yellows
On the opposite side of vibrant yellows are the dull, muddy shades. These include mustard, khaki, and lime. Other lackluster yellow hues are:
| Macaroni | Coconut | Pear |
| Squirel | Dijon | Chartreuse |
| Olive | Avocado | Pea soup |
Macaroni and cheese yellow is named after the boxed pasta mix. Coconut and pear yellows are inspired by the fruits. Squirrel yellow mimics the rodent’s fur. Dijon describes the condiment, while chartreuse is a luminous greenish yellow. Olive, avocado, and pea soup yellows have dull, murky tones. These yellows give off an earthy, muted, and somber feeling.
Metallic Yellows
When describing metallic shades, golden yellow is the most common. However, there are many rich metallic yellow color names, including:
| Gold | Brass | Bronze |
| Copper | Pyrite | Citrine |
| Amber | Topaz | Saffron |
Gold, brass, bronze, copper, and pyrite yellows are all inspired by metals and minerals. Citrine, amber, topaz, and saffron yellows are gemstone shades. These metallic yellows depict wealth, prestige, sophistication, and prosperity. They add a shiny, brilliant quality to any color palette.
Greenish Yellows
On the border between yellow and green sit shades like chartreuse, lime, and avocado. Other green-yellow crossover colors include:
| Citron | Acid | Sour lemon |
| Moss | Fern | Pistachio |
| sap | Green-yellow | Spring bud |
Citron, acid, and sour lemon yellows have a neonic, acidic tone. Moss, fern, and pistachio shades are earthy green-yellows. Sap, green-yellow, and spring bud are fresh, young hues. These colors carry the optimism of yellow and the growth of green for a refreshing, rejuvenating feeling.
Orangey Yellows
On the other side of the yellow spectrum, mixing with orange, are spicy shades like mustard, curry, and cheddar. Other orange-influenced yellows include:
| Corn | Butterscotch | Marigold |
| Marmalade | Sunglow | Macaroni |
| Caramel | Sherbet | Saffron |
Corn, butterscotch, and caramel yellows evoke sweet, baking flavors. Marigold, marmalade, and saffron are spicy orange-yellows. Macaroni and cheese and sherbet yellows are inspired by favorite foods. Sunglow is a vivid reddish-yellow. These shades carry the cheer of yellow with the energy and warmth of orange.
Brownish Yellows
Mixing yellow with brown creates earthy, natural shades like khaki, tan, and gold. Other yellow-brown hues include:
| Mustard | Buckskin | Buff |
| Coyote | Fawn | Gamboge |
| Ochre | Umber | Russet |
Mustard, buckskin, buff, coyote, and fawn yellows emulate the colors of animal fur and skin. Gamboge and ochre yellows are earthy clay pigments. Umber and russet shades are rich earth tones. These natural, rustic yellows give off a feeling of comfort, stability, and durability.
Pinkish Yellows
On the border of yellow and pink are delicate pastel hues like cream, custard, and banana. Other yellow-pink shades include:
| Buttercream | Blush | Champagne |
| Cosmic latte | Flax | Blonde |
| Beige | Oyster | Pearl |
Buttercream, blush, and champagne yellows have a softened strawberry tone. Cosmic latte is considered the average color of the universe! Flax, blonde, beige, oyster, and pearl shades are inspired by delicate neutral hues. These tender yellows give off a sense of innocence, femininity, and subtlety.
Grayish Yellows
Mixing yellow with white and gray results in muted, pale hues like cream, linen, and blonde. Other grayish yellow shades include:
| Parchment | Buff | Straw |
| Bone | Manila | Canvas |
| Khaki | Oatmeal | Beige |
Parchment, buff, straw, bone, and manila yellows emulate stationery and craft materials. Canvas and khaki shades are military and workwear colors. Oatmeal and beige yellows are neutrals inspired by natural fibers. These grounding yellows give off an airy, subtle feeling.
Vintage Yellows
There are many yellow shades that evoke different eras in history. Some examples include:
| Avocado | Harvest gold | Post office |
| Orange peel | Taxicab | Bellbottom |
| Pleasantville | Gatsby | Arnhem |
Avocado and harvest gold yellows recall 1970s appliances and decor. Taxicab and bellbottom shades evoke the bright 1970s. Orange peel yellow is a 1960s psychedelic hue. Pleasantville represents the idyllic 1950s. Gatsby yellow is the iconic color of the Roaring 1920s. Arnhem yellow is a 1940s wartime paint color, named after Dutch city Arnhem. These historical yellows have a nostalgic, sentimental feeling.
Symbolic Yellows
Certain shades of yellow carry symbolic cultural meanings. Some examples are:
| School bus | Rubber duck | Caution |
| Rose | Lemon juice | Lab |
| Pollen | Van Gogh | Picasso |
School bus, rubber duck, caution, and pollen yellows are iconic, pure tones. Rose, lemon juice, and lab yellows have traditional color associations. The vivid yellows used by Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso have become their stylistic signatures. Symbolic yellows have immediate visual impact and recognition. They can amplify the meaning and emotion behind any project.
Whimsical Yellows
Yellow has a playful, youthful spirit. Some fun and fanciful yellow names include:
| Hummingbird | Moonbeam | Sunshine |
| Butterfly | Banana | Taxi cab |
| Rubber duck | Kindergarten | Lemonade |
Hummingbird, moonbeam, butterfly, and sunshine yellows evoke images of nature. Banana, taxi cab, rubber duck, kindergarten, and lemonade shades are inspired by familiar cheerful icons. These spirited hues bring to mind happiness, imagination, and nostalgia. Whimsical yellows can make any design lively and fun.
Geographical Yellows
Different regions around the world have their own signature shades of yellow:
| Naples | St. Peterburg | Moscow |
| Siena | Jaipur | Saffron |
| Turmeric | Curry | Mughal |
Naples, St. Peterburg, and Moscow yellows are bright European shades. Siena is the yellow hue of the medieval Italian city. Jaipur yellow comes from the pink architecture of India’s “Pink City”. Saffron, turmeric, curry, and mughal yellows reflect the flavors of Indian cuisine. These globally-inspired yellows add cultural flair to any design.
Rare Yellows
There are some uncommon yellow colors with interesting backstories:
| Fulvous | Xanthic | Fulvous |
| Eburnean | Luteous | Subfulvous |
| Croceate | Fulvid | Flavous |
Fulvous, xanthic, eburnean, luteous, subfulvous, croceate, fulvid, and flavous yellows are all derived from Latin root words meaning yellow. These rare terms would be impressive for a highly technical context requiring precise color descriptions. They demonstrate an advanced, nuanced understanding of color.
Obscure Yellows
Some lesser known shades of yellow include:
| Mikado | Minus green | Nyanza |
| Arylide | Deep gamboge | Flavian |
| Han purple | Old lace | YInMn |
Mikado, minus green, and nyanza yellows are uncommon pigment colors. Arylide, deep gamboge, and flavian shades are obscure variations of common yellows. Han purple is an ancient faded yellow pigment. Old lace is a delicate Victorian-era tint. YInMn yellow was discovered in 2009 at Oregon State University. These distinctive shades demonstrate a deep understanding of the color yellow.
Conclusion
This wide vocabulary of yellow color names illustrates the diversity within the yellow family. Yellow runs the gamut from pale pastels to vivid citrus tones to rich golden hues. It can represent warmth and vitality, caution and cheer, prestige and playfulness. With its many associations and moods, the color yellow is exceptionally versatile. By mastering all the creative ways to describe yellow, designers can precisely call attention to or subtly enhance the meanings behind their visual communication. Whether lively or mellow, historic or obscure, geographical or whimsical, the catalog of yellow shades gives endless options to add just the right splash of sunshiny color.