Welcome to How to Be a Redhead 
Every week, we put out a call for your redhead questions. This gives you a chance to get advice or input from our team of redheads. From beauty and fashion to lifestyle, redheads are in a unique boat, and we want to help make this community a place where you can turn for all your redhead needs.
This week, we’re answering a question we get a lot from redheaded parents-to-be. What should I name my redhead little one? Naming a baby is such a special experience, and some parents want the name to match up with the baby’s traits. It’s common for parents to choose a baby’s name based on when the baby is born, the baby’s astrological sign, and even features like hair or eye color.
For all parents, the biggest thing to remember is that while having red hair is going to be a massive part of your child’s identity, it’s not their whole identity. Don’t feel pressured to give them an “on-theme” name if they come out with red hair. That being said, if you want some redhead baby names, here are some suggestions + a few names we think you should avoid, as they may lead to teasing for your little redhead.
Names For Redhead Baby Girls
- Scarlett – referring to the deep scarlet red color
- Ruby – Latin in origin for the red gemstone
- Rose/Rosie/Rosa – associated with roses
- Ember – referring to flames, glow, fire
- Autumn – like the season, aka redhead season!
- Maple – Like the tree known for its fiery autumn foliage.
- Poppy – a beautiful flower, often red or orange
- Amber – associated with the yellow/orange stone
- Sienna – a Latin name for the rich red/orange clay
- Briar – like the brambles of a rose bush
- Flora – Meaning “flower,” often associated with vibrant colors
- Nova – Latin for “new,” also reminiscent of the supernova, with fiery connotations
- Sorrel – Referring to a reddish-brown color, also a type of herb
- Tawny – Refers to a warm shade of reddish-brown
Names For Redhead Baby Boys
- Flynn – commonly a surname meaning “ruddy” or “red.”
- Finn – Meaning “fair” or “white,” often associated with red hair
- Alroy – means “red-haired” in Gaelic
- Clancy – Irish in origin, son of the red warrior
- Flannery – Irish in origin, Descendant Of Flannghal; Red Hair
- Radley – refers to a red meadow
- Redford – historically a surname being red Ford
- Rusty – referring to the orangy red color of rust
- Reed – commonly a surname meaning “red” or “red-haired.”
- Adam – Hebrew for “son of red earth”
- Griffin – Derived from the Welsh “gruffudd,” meaning “red chief” or “lord.”
- Blaze – Connoting fiery red hair
- Crimson – A shade of deep red
- Clay – Referring to the color of clay, which can be reddish
Gender Neutral Redhead Baby Names
- Phoenix-like the fiery bird
- Rory – Irish for “red king”
- Keegan – Irish for “small flame”
- Rowan – Irish for “little redhead”
- Conley – Irish for “constant fire”
- Auburn – Means “reddish-brown,” perfect for a redhead
- River – Evoking fluidity and nature, often associated with red landscapes like canyons.
- Indigo – A deep reddish-purple color fitting for a unique and colorful name.
- Marlow – A name of Old English origin meaning “driftwood,” often associated with a reddish hue.
- Juniper – A type of evergreen tree with reddish-brown wood and berries.
- Ash – Referring to the grayish-red wood of the ash tree.
Redhead Names to Avoid
When choosing a name for a redhead, it’s essential to avoid names that might unintentionally highlight or emphasize physical traits in a negative or teasing manner. Here are a few considerations:
- Names Based on Physical Characteristics: Avoid names that directly describe physical attributes associated with red hair, such as “Red” or “Ginger,” as these can sometimes be used as teasing or derogatory.
- Names with Negative Cultural or Historical Associations: Some names may have negative cultural or historical associations that could be problematic. Researching the origins and meanings of names is essential to avoid unintended connotations.
- Overly Uncommon or Difficult to Pronounce Names: While unique names can be beautiful, overly unusual names may attract unnecessary attention or difficulty in pronunciation, which could be challenging for a child growing up.
- Names That Could Lead to Unwanted Nicknames: Consider how a name might be shortened or altered into a nickname, especially if it could be teasing or unflattering.
Ultimately, the goal is to choose a name that celebrates and respects your child’s individuality, including their red hair, without inadvertently causing discomfort or teasing.
- Ginger – Some redheads love this nickname, and some hate it. Don’t force it upon your child as their given name.
- Red – It’s just too point-blank and leaves no room for interpretation.
- Character Names – Avoid names of redhead characters from shows, movies, and books. It’s setting your child up for teasing.
Would you like your redhead question answered? Find us @howtobearedhead on Instagram and Facebook, and look for the Ask a Redhead question box.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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