Color Name Finder
Find the name of any color from its HEX code
Enter HEX color code or use the color picker
All Colors in Category
Understanding Web Color Names
Web color names are predefined color keywords recognized by all modern browsers and can be used directly in CSS instead of HEX or RGB values. There are 147 standard color names defined in the CSS specification, making it easier to reference common colors in your code without memorizing color codes.
How This Tool Works
Our color name finder uses mathematical color distance calculations to find the closest named color to your input:
- Color matching: Calculates Euclidean distance in RGB color space
- Closest match: Finds the named color with minimum distance to your input
- Category grouping: Organizes colors into logical categories (Red, Blue, Green, etc.)
- Similar colors: Shows other colors in the same category
Benefits of Using Named Colors
- Readability: Code is more readable with names like "coral" vs "#FF7F50"
- No memorization: Don't need to remember hex codes for common colors
- Quick prototyping: Faster to type color names during development
- Universal support: All browsers support CSS color names
- Easy communication: Simpler to discuss colors with team members
Using Named Colors in CSS
Color Categories Explained
Red Colors
Warm, energetic colors ranging from light coral to dark crimson
Orange Colors
Vibrant, attention-grabbing colors from peach to dark orange
Yellow Colors
Bright, cheerful colors including gold, khaki, and lemon tones
Green Colors
Natural, calming colors from lime to forest green
Cyan Colors
Cool, refreshing colors including aqua, turquoise, and teal
Blue Colors
Professional, trustworthy colors from sky blue to navy
Purple Colors
Luxurious, creative colors including violet, indigo, and lavender
Pink Colors
Playful, feminine colors from hot pink to light pink
Practical Use Cases
- Code Review: Identify unnamed colors in existing code and suggest named alternatives
- Documentation: Reference colors by name in design documentation
- Learning: Understand the relationship between hex codes and color names
- Quick Lookup: Find the CSS name for colors from design tools
- Color Exploration: Discover new colors within specific categories
Limitations of Named Colors
- Limited palette - only 147 predefined colors available
- Not all brand colors have named equivalents
- Some names are ambiguous (like "tan" or "peru")
- Your exact color may not match any named color perfectly
- Best for common colors; custom brand colors still need hex codes
Best Practices
- Use named colors for common, standard colors in prototypes
- Use hex/RGB for exact brand colors and custom designs
- Consider using CSS variables for both named and custom colors
- Document color choices in your style guide
- Test named colors across different browsers (though all modern browsers support them)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CSS color names supported in all browsers?
Yes, all 147 standard CSS color names are supported in all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and even Internet Explorer 9+. These color names are part of the CSS specification and have been standardized for many years. You can safely use them in production websites without compatibility concerns. However, for exact brand colors or specific design requirements, HEX or RGB codes are still recommended.
Why doesn't my exact color match any named color?
There are only 147 named colors in CSS, but over 16 million possible colors in the RGB color space. This tool finds the closest named color to your input, but it may not be an exact match. If you need a specific color that doesn't match well, you should continue using the HEX code. Named colors are best for standard, common colors rather than precise custom colors. For brand-specific colors, stick with HEX codes and document them in your style guide.
Can I use color names in JavaScript and other languages?
CSS color names work directly in CSS and HTML styling. In JavaScript, you can use named colors when setting style properties (element.style.color = "crimson"). However, when getting computed colors, JavaScript always returns RGB format. For other programming languages and design tools, support varies. Most modern tools recognize CSS color names, but it's always safer to use HEX codes for cross-platform compatibility and when working with non-web technologies.
Should I use named colors or HEX codes in production?
Use named colors for quick prototyping, common standard colors, and when readability is more important than precision. Use HEX codes for brand colors, exact color matching, design system colors, and professional production work. Many developers use a hybrid approach: named colors for common elements (like "white", "black", "gray") and HEX codes for brand-specific colors. Consider using CSS custom properties (variables) that can reference either named colors or HEX codes, giving you the best of both worlds.
How accurate is the color matching algorithm?
Our tool uses Euclidean distance in RGB color space to find the mathematically closest named color. This provides accurate results for most colors, though human color perception is more complex than pure mathematical distance. The "closest" color mathematically might not always be the closest perceptually. For best results, review the suggested color and the similar colors list to see if a different named color better matches your needs. The tool is excellent for finding approximate matches and discovering named alternatives.
What's the difference between similar colors in the same category?
Similar colors are other named colors in the same color family (Red, Blue, Green, etc.) that are mathematically close to your input color. They're ordered by distance, so the first ones are most similar. This helps you discover alternative named colors that might work better for your design. For example, if you input a reddish color, you might see "crimson", "firebrick", and "indian red" as similar options. Click any similar color to explore it and see its full details.