Purple Navy
HEX: #4E5180 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#4E5180
78, 81, 128
236°, 39% ,50%
39.06, 36.72, 0, 49.8
About Purple Navy
Purple Navy (#4E5180) is a color with RGB(78, 81, 128) and HSL(236.4°, 39.06%, 50.2%). It is commonly associated with Calm moods. In design, it fits Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Logo, Print. Its complementary color is #807D4E, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #804E51 and #51804E. The name comes from Purple Navy (English).
- HEX: #4E5180
- RGB: 78, 81, 128
- HSL: 236.4°, 39.06%, 50.2%
- Mood: Calm
- Style: Cool
- Use case: Text, Logo, Print
- Complementary color: #807D4E
- Triadic colors: #804E51, #51804E
- The name comes from Purple Navy (English).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #4E5180 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The term 'navy blue' originated from the uniform color of the British Royal Navy in 1748. It became a popular color for uniforms and formal wear due to its practicality and perceived sophistication. 'Purple' has a long and rich history, often associated with royalty, wealth, and spirituality due to the rarity and cost of its dyes in ancient times. The combination 'Purple Navy' is a modern descriptor, blending the seriousness and depth of navy with the richness and complexity of purple. It's not a historically significant color name in the way 'Tyrian Purple' or 'Prussian Blue' are, but rather a descriptive term for a specific hue that sits between traditional navy and a deep purple.
First Recorded Use
While 'navy' as a color has existed for centuries, and 'purple' for millennia, the specific compound 'Purple Navy' as a distinct color name likely emerged with the advent of digital color systems and more nuanced color naming conventions, probably in the late 20th century (1980s-1990s) to describe specific hex codes or paint swatches.
Cultural Associations
This color evokes a sense of sophistication, depth, and perhaps a touch of mystery. It can be seen as a more creative or less conventional alternative to traditional navy blue, offering a subtle hint of individuality without being overly bold. It's often used in fashion, interior design, and branding to convey elegance, trustworthiness, and a modern sensibility. The purple undertone can add a calming or even spiritual quality, depending on the context.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #4E5180;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #4E5180;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #4E5180;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#4E5180,
#B2AC4E
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#4E5180,
#B2AC4E
);
}// SCSS variable
$purple-navy: #4E5180;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$purple-navy-r: 78;
$purple-navy-g: 81;
$purple-navy-b: 128;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $purple-navy;
color: rgba($purple-navy-r, $purple-navy-g, $purple-navy-b, 0.8);
}