Colors That Start With Z: 13 Shades & Hex Codes
If you’ve ever called a color zesty, zippy, or full of zing, you already know the letter Z. It is the last letter of the alphabet, and it is rare for color names. Here are the colors that start with Z, and each one is real.
This guide lists 13 of them. You will meet Zaffre and Zomp. You will also find Zest, Zircon, and a few deep, dark shades.
Each entry has a name, a Hex code, RGB values, and CMYK values. Copy any code and use it in your next project. The list is short, so each color gets extra detail.
Quick Tip: Pick Hex or RGB for anything on a screen. Pick CMYK for anything you print. The CMYK values are approximate screen-to-print conversions. Always check a printed proof.
Why Is the Z List So Short?
Few English words start with Z. Many Z color names come from minerals, like zircon and zinnwaldite. Others come from old pigments, like zaffre. That is why this list is short.
The good news is that the Z colors are very varied. They range from near-white to near-black. They also include a bold orange and a calm teal-green.
Quick Jump Guide: Color Families Covered
Not sure where to start? Here is what you will find among these color names that start with Z:
- Reds: none in this list
- Blues: Zaffre, Ziggurat, Zumthor
- Greens: Zomp, Zanah, Zucchini
- Browns: Zinnwaldite Brown
- Neutrals: Zircon, Zorba, Zeus, Zambezi
- Pinks and purples: Zinnwaldite
- Yellows and oranges: Zest
Want to browse by hue? Skip to the family table after the list. If not, let’s dive in.
The Full List of Colors That Start With Z
Below are all 13 shades starting with the letter Z. They run in alphabetical order. Take your time. A few names are close cousins, and we point those out as we go.
Zaffre
Deep, intense blue with a violet lean. It is named for a cobalt blue pigment once used in glass and pottery. Hex: #0014A8 | RGB: 0, 20, 168 | CMYK: 100, 88, 0, 34
Zambezi
Muted gray-brown with a faint mauve tint. Its name matches the African river. Hex: #685558 | RGB: 104, 85, 88 | CMYK: 0, 18, 15, 59
Zanah
Pale, soft green with a gray-cream feel. It looks light and calm. Hex: #DAECD6 | RGB: 218, 236, 214 | CMYK: 8, 0, 9, 7
Zest
Warm, rich orange with a golden glow. Its name brings citrus peel to mind. Hex: #E5841B | RGB: 229, 132, 27 | CMYK: 0, 42, 88, 10
Zeus
Very dark brown, close to black. It has a warm, olive-leaning tint. Hex: #292319 | RGB: 41, 35, 25 | CMYK: 0, 15, 39, 84
Ziggurat
Pale, soft blue with a cool tone. It looks like a light, clear sky. Hex: #BFDBE2 | RGB: 191, 219, 226 | CMYK: 15, 3, 0, 11
Zinnwaldite
Soft peach-pink with a warm tan hint. It is named for a mineral. Hex: #EBC2AF | RGB: 235, 194, 175 | CMYK: 0, 17, 26, 8
Zinnwaldite Brown
Very dark brown with a reddish tint. It is far deeper than plain Zinnwaldite. Hex: #2C1608 | RGB: 44, 22, 8 | CMYK: 0, 50, 82, 83
Zircon
Almost white with a faint cool blue tint. It is named for the sparkling gemstone. Hex: #F4F8FF | RGB: 244, 248, 255 | CMYK: 4, 3, 0, 0
Zomp
Medium green with a soft teal lean. It looks fresh, cool, and calm. Hex: #39A78E | RGB: 57, 167, 142 | CMYK: 66, 0, 15, 35
Zorba
Warm gray with a taupe tint. It looks soft, quiet, and earthy. Hex: #A59B91 | RGB: 165, 155, 145 | CMYK: 0, 6, 12, 35
Zucchini
Very deep green with a cool lean. Some libraries spell it Zuccini. Hex: #044022 | RGB: 4, 64, 34 | CMYK: 94, 0, 47, 75
Zumthor
Very pale, icy blue that is nearly white. It is a touch bluer than Zircon. Hex: #EDF6FF | RGB: 237, 246, 255 | CMYK: 7, 4, 0, 0
That wraps up the list. Now let’s sort them by hue.
Colors Grouped by Family
This table groups every color above by its main hue. Use it to find blues, greens, or neutrals fast.
| Family | Color Names |
| Reds (0) | None in this list |
| Blues (3) | Zaffre, Ziggurat, Zumthor |
| Greens (3) | Zanah, Zomp, Zucchini |
| Browns (1) | Zinnwaldite Brown |
| Neutrals (4) | Zambezi, Zeus, Zircon, Zorba |
| Pinks and Purples (1) | Zinnwaldite |
| Yellows and Oranges (1) | Zest |
A few colors look alike. Zircon and Zumthor are both icy near-whites. Zinnwaldite and Zinnwaldite Brown share a name, but they look very different. Next, let’s compare the darkest shades.
The Four Deepest Z Shades Compared
These four are the darkest colors in the list. Each has its own tone.
| Name | Hex | How It Looks |
| Zinnwaldite Brown | #2C1608 | Dark brown with a red tint |
| Zeus | #292319 | Near-black, warm and olive-leaning |
| Zucchini | #044022 | Very deep green |
| Zaffre | #0014A8 | Intense blue with a violet lean |
How to Read Hex, RGB, and CMYK Codes
You have seen three codes under every color. Here is what each one means. We will use Zomp as the example.
Hex is a six-digit code that starts with #. The first two digits set red. The next two set green. The last two set blue. Zomp is #39A78E. Use Hex for websites, apps, and slides.
RGB uses three numbers from 0 to 255. They show how much red, green, and blue light to mix. Zomp is 57, 167, 142. Use RGB for anything shown on a screen.
CMYK uses four numbers from 0 to 100. They show the share of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink. Zomp is 66, 0, 15, 35. Use CMYK for print jobs like flyers and packaging.
One more point. Screens glow, but ink does not. So bold colors, like Zaffre, may look duller in print. Now let’s put these codes to work.
How to Use These Colors
Colors work best when you use them with a plan. Here are simple tips for four fields.
Graphic Design
Pick one strong color and two quiet ones. Try Zaffre (#0014A8) as the base. Add a pop of Zest (#E5841B). Keep the rest light. Clean space makes bold colors shine.
Web Design
Choose a calm color for large areas. Use a bright one for buttons and links. Zumthor (#EDF6FF) makes a clean background. Zaffre (#0014A8) works well for buttons. Zeus (#292319) suits body text. Always check text contrast before you publish.
Interior Design
Soft, calm colors make a room feel peaceful. Zanah (#DAECD6) is great for walls. Zorba (#A59B91) suits rugs and sofas. Add Zomp (#39A78E) for plants and accents.
Fashion
Deep tones feel rich. Light tones feel fresh. Zaffre (#0014A8) looks sharp on a coat. Zest (#E5841B) lifts a simple scarf. Zorba (#A59B91) works well for trousers.
Four Easy Pairings
- Bold and bright: Zaffre (#0014A8) + Zest (#E5841B) + Zumthor (#EDF6FF)
- Calm and natural: Zomp (#39A78E) + Zorba (#A59B91) + Zanah (#DAECD6)
- Crisp and modern: Zeus (#292319) + Zircon (#F4F8FF) + Zomp (#39A78E)
- Warm and cozy: Zinnwaldite (#EBC2AF) + Zambezi (#685558) + Zest (#E5841B)
Conclusion
The letter Z is small, but it is not dull. You can find icy whites, calm greens, deep blues, a bold orange, and rich dark browns. All 13 colors that start with Z come with codes you can use now.
Save your favorites. Test them on screen and in print. Then build a palette that feels like you.
Ready for more? [Try our color tool] or [explore related colors].
FAQs
What are some colors that start with Z?
Popular picks include Zaffre, Zomp, Zest, and Zircon. You will also find Zorba and Zucchini. This guide lists 13 in all.
What is the darkest color that starts with Z?
Zinnwaldite Brown (#2C1608) is the darkest. It is a very dark brown with a red tint. Zeus (#292319) is a close second.
What is the lightest color that starts with Z?
Zircon (#F4F8FF) is the lightest. It is almost white with a cool tint. Zumthor (#EDF6FF) is nearly as light and a bit bluer.
What are some blue colors that start with Z?
Zaffre (#0014A8) is intense. Ziggurat (#BFDBE2) is pale and soft. Zumthor (#EDF6FF) is icy and very light.
What are some green colors that start with Z?
Zomp (#39A78E) is a medium teal-green. Zanah (#DAECD6) is pale and soft. Zucchini (#044022) is very deep.
Which Z colors are best for earthy designs?
Zorba (#A59B91), Zambezi (#685558), and Zinnwaldite Brown (#2C1608) feel warm and natural. Zest (#E5841B) adds a bright orange touch. Together, they suit homes, crafts, and cozy brands.
What Z colors work well for websites?
Zumthor (#EDF6FF) makes a clean background. Zaffre (#0014A8) is great for buttons and links. Zeus (#292319) suits body text.
