Little Boy Blue

HEX: #6CA0DC | Modern Palette

On White
2.73:1
FAIL
On Black
7.70:1
PASS

Color Specifications

HEX
#6CA0DC
RGB
108, 160, 220
HSL
212°, 50% ,86%
CMYK
50.91, 27.27, 0, 13.73

About Little Boy Blue

Little Boy Blue (#6CA0DC) is a color with RGB(108, 160, 220) and HSL(212.14°, 50.91%, 86.27%). In design, it fits Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Background. Its complementary color is #DCA86C, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #DC6CA0 and #A0DC6C. The name comes from Little Boy Blue (English).

  • HEX: #6CA0DC
  • RGB: 108, 160, 220
  • HSL: 212.14°, 50.91%, 86.27%
  • Style: Cool
  • Use case: Text, Button, Background
  • Complementary color: #DCA86C
  • Triadic colors: #DC6CA0, #A0DC6C
  • The name comes from Little Boy Blue (English).

Live Components

LIGHT
DARK
System Notification Box

Color Palettes

Monochromatic Five tones of the same hue — a reliable scale for backgrounds, surfaces, and text.
Neutral + Accent Four near-neutral tones grounded by a saturated accent — clean and versatile for UI.
Analogous Five hues drifting across a 60° arc — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
3 + 1 + 1 Three analogous base colors, one complementary accent, one dark anchor — bold yet balanced.

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 #6CA0DC from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Style
Cool
Use case
Text Button Background

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #9393DD
Protanopia #9B9BDC
Tritanopia #5AA9A9
Achromatopsia #9D9D9D

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Boy Blue (#6CA0DC) is a color with RGB(108, 160, 220) and HSL(212.14°, 50.91%, 86.27%).

#6CA0DC pairs strongly with #DCA86C as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#6CA0DC is suitable for Text, Button, Background and works well with Cool styles.

The name Little Boy Blue is linked to Little Boy Blue from English, meaning A proper name for a character in a nursery rhyme, often associated with the color blue and a shepherd boy..

Name, History & Etymology

Origin Word Little Boy Blue
Meaning A proper name for a character in a nursery rhyme, often associated with the color blue and a shepherd boy.
Language English
First Recorded Use Late 18th - Early 19th Century

History

The nursery rhyme 'Little Boy Blue' tells the story of a shepherd boy who falls asleep and neglects his duties of watching the sheep and cows, allowing them to wander into the corn. The rhyme is a classic example of English folk poetry passed down through generations. While its exact origins are somewhat obscure, it became a staple in collections of nursery rhymes and children's literature. Some theories suggest it might have roots in older folk songs or even political satire, but these are largely speculative. Its enduring popularity is due to its simple narrative, memorable rhythm, and the relatable theme of childhood innocence and minor transgression.

First Recorded Use

The earliest known printed version of the nursery rhyme 'Little Boy Blue' appeared in 'Mother Goose's Melody' (c. 1765), though the exact phrasing and popularity evolved over time. The specific version commonly known today likely solidified in the early 19th century.

Cultural Associations

Little Boy Blue is an iconic figure in English-speaking culture, representing a common archetype of a young, somewhat irresponsible shepherd. The rhyme is frequently taught to young children and is a cornerstone of early childhood education in many Western countries. The imagery of the boy, his horn, and the wandering animals is widely recognized. It has been referenced in various forms of media, literature, and art, often evoking a sense of nostalgia for childhood. The color blue in his name is often associated with innocence or the traditional attire of a shepherd.

Similar Named Colors
Blue Gray #6699CC ΔE 2.75
Dark Pastel Blue #779ECB ΔE 2.83
Iceberg #71A6D2 ΔE 3.29
Cerulean Frost #6D9BC3 ΔE 3.73

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #6CA0DC;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #6CA0DC;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #6CA0DC;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #6CA0DC,
        #EEDDCA
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #6CA0DC,
        #EEDDCA
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$little-boy-blue: #6CA0DC;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$little-boy-blue-r: 108;
$little-boy-blue-g: 160;
$little-boy-blue-b: 220;

// Usage
.element {
    background-color: $little-boy-blue;
    color: rgba($little-boy-blue-r, $little-boy-blue-g, $little-boy-blue-b, 0.8);
}