A color name API that maps hex to the closest human-readable name
I built this API to return the closest named color for any hex value—using curated lists like my own [1], XKCD [2], and others. I made it from scratch without Express or any frameworks because: - I’m a frontend/interaction dev and wanted to learn how to build an API from the ground up. - Existing APIs didn’t guarantee unique names per color—mine does. - It also supports WebSocket updates, gzip responses, and multiple name sets. I’ve been collecting color names for over 10 years [1]. With ~30,000 entries, bundling them into every color-related project became excessive. This API keeps…
In plain words
This API takes any hex color value and returns the closest human-readable color name from curated databases including a 30,000-entry personal collection and XKCD's list. Built from scratch without frameworks, it guarantees unique names per color and supports WebSocket updates and gzip compression. Designed for developers and designers who need lightweight color naming without bundling large datasets into projects.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
In the maker’s words, at launch
I built this API to return the closest named color for any hex value—using curated lists like my own [1], XKCD [2], and others. I made it from scratch without Express or any frameworks because: - I’m a frontend/interaction dev and wanted to learn how to build an API from the ground up. - Existing APIs didn’t guarantee unique names per color—mine does. - It also supports WebSocket updates, gzip responses, and multiple name sets. I’ve been collecting color names for over 10 years [1]. With ~30,000 entries, bundling them into every color-related project became excessive. This API keeps things lightweight—for me and hopefully for others too. GitHub: https://github.com/meodai/color-name-api Would love feedback on naming logic, accuracy, performance, or backend best practices I might’ve missed. [1] Large Color Name List: https://github.com/meodai/color-names [2] XKCD color survey results: https://xkcd.com/color/rgb/
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