This article was originally published on ScientistPlus
Research Into the Links Between Eye Hue and Personality Traits
Over the years, numerous exciting studies have been conducted into whether the color of our eyes correlates with our character traits. In one such investigation completed in early 2007 at Sweden's Orebro University, almost 430 people were analyzed for this very purpose. During this study, analysts made a note of each person's eye color. Then they attempted to spot links between the participant's eye shade and their different personality characteristics.
It might sound ridiculous to think that there could be a link between eye color and personality, but this study - and others - proved there truly could be a connection.
There's a Genetic Connection Between Eye Color and Personality
As a result of the study detailed above, analysts confirmed a scientific connection between our eye coloring and our personalities. As you might have guessed, this comes down to our genetics. Interestingly, the DNA responsible for our eye coloring also plays a significant role in evolving our brain's frontal lobe. The brain's frontal lobe helps determine a person's character - hence why researchers theorized there could be a connection.
Considering the DNA in charge of eye color is also a large contributor to the personality part of our brains, it's no wonder that there is a correlation between different eye shades and specific character traits.
Brown (or Dark) Eyes
It seems fitting that since most of us have brown or dark eyes (around 70% of the population) that this is the first shade we look at. Interestingly, not only is this eye coloring the most prevalent worldwide, but according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, no other eye shade is older than dark brown. According to the experts, all of us humans had dark brown (nearly black) peepers in the long-distant past. That's pretty interesting, right?
This makes sense when you consider that high levels of melanin are responsible for dark eyes. Melanin is said to lend protection to those living in hotter climates. Then when you couple this with the fact that humanity is said to originate from Africa, this starts to make a lot of sense!
Intriguing Findings
Since our ancestors from millennia ago likely all had very dark brown eyes, it only makes sense that so many of us still have darker eyes today - right? That aside, let's look at the connections the Journal of Current Psychology has made between those with darker-colored eyes and their characteristics. Interestingly, analysts noticed that those with brown eyes were more likely to demonstrate an easygoing nature.
It was also noted that those with darker peepers boast comparatively high levels of empathy. Does this ring true of those you know with dark brown eyes? We can certainly think of a few people this applies to!
Leadership Qualities
Apparently, the combination of an easygoing nature and high levels of empathy make those with dark brown eyes more likely to show qualities of "natural-born leaders." It stands to reason that when you can empathize with people effectively, you're better able to draw people in and communicate well with others. Now that we've discovered this, can you think of any leaders with dark brown peepers? A few names spring to mind!
For example, former US presidents like Barak Obama sport dark brown eyes, as did President Lyndon B. Johnson (as pictured here). Interestingly, one leader from long ago, Julius Ceasar, was also said to have nearly black eyes.
A More Spiritual Stance
At this point, it is worth noting that not everyone wishes to adopt a scientific approach to establishing whether there is a connection between our eye color and our personality traits. Instead, some prefer to take an alternative view. After all, variety is the spice of life! One example is an astrologer, body language, and “esoteric color expert ”named Inbaal Honigman. She believes that the shades of our eyes denote spiritual meaning(s).
She's been quoted on UK-based contact lens company Lenstore's website a few times. Apparently, the two teamed up to conduct research into the connections between eye color and personality.
People With Dark Brown Eyes Are Said to Be More Trustworthy and Reliable
Inbaal Honigman is quoted saying the following: "Brown is the color of Earth and signifies stability and a 'happy home.' "People with this color are generally stable in their relationships and everyday life. Others will feel a sense of security when looking into brown eyes, letting them know you're a trustworthy and reliable person." Do you have dark eyes? If so, would you say that, on the whole, you have stable relationships?
We can think of a few people that have comforting dark brown eyes. But on the whole, we have to admit that some of these statements seem a bit sweeping! Let's dig in further.
It Connects
Despite some of Inbaal Honigman's statements being a bit generalized, we can't help but think that this quote, "Others will feel a sense of security when looking into brown eyes, letting them know you're a trustworthy and reliable person," ties into some of Current Psychology's findings mentioned above. After all, making others feel secure goes hand in hand with being an empathetic leader. So, perhaps there's something to be said about this correlation.
So what's next on our agenda? Having listed a few things dark brown eyes reveal about us, let's move on to blue peepers. What characteristics do those with ocean eyes have?
Blue Eyes
Before we delve into the character traits commonly associated with those with blue-hued eyes, we want to look at the history of blue eyes. The origins of blue-eyed peepers are fascinating! So, here is the lowdown. Interestingly, Copenhagen University in Denmark learned that blue eyes only materialized thanks to a genetic “mutation” in Europe. And according to the Daily Express, blue-colored eyes only came into the frame around 10,000 years ago.
When you consider that our human ancestors have walked the planet for around six million years, it's safe to say that blue eyes are a relatively new phenomenon. How cool is that?
The Origins of Blue Eyes
Let us dig a bit deeper into how this genetic deviation caused beautiful blue eyes in humans. Interestingly, it did not create blue peepers overnight. Rather, this genetic mutation hindered the production of brown melanin in the iris, which, as we discussed earlier, is what is responsible for dark-colored eyes. Over time, with less brown melanin thrown into the genetic mix, blue eyes began to emerge. That's a fun fact, right?
This is certainly the kind of random and interesting trivia you should store in your brain to impress your friends at your next dinner party. It's certainly an icebreaker!
Are Those With Blue Eyes Arrogant?
The Copenhagen University in Denmark also researched how people perceive those with blue eyes. If you have blue eyes, brace yourself because the results aren't exactly palatable. Apparently, the team of researchers found that those they spoke to believed that those with blue peepers were more likely to be arrogant, ruthless, and suffer from a lack of compassion. Ouch! That's gotta hurt. It's hardly the most complimentary list of adjectives.
But are these findings accurate, and do they apply universally to those with blue eyes? Fortunately, not everyone agrees. For instance, Honigman and Lenstore didn’t believe so after concluding their study in 2022.
Blue Eyes Might Be Linked With Romance
According to Honigman, those with "Blue eyes invoke the water element." As a result, those with blue peepers are more likely to make us think of the ocean and the seaside. They're also supposed to allude to romance and faith. She also goes on to suggest that individuals with sapphire-colored eyes have a higher chance of being emotional and spiritual. That's quite a stark contrast to what Copenhagen University found.
Have you ever considered the ocean to be arrogant? We haven't. In fact, Lenstore suggests that you could wear blue contact lenses to elicit particular reactions in others.
The Benefits of Wearing Blue Contacts
Interestingly, a representative from Lenstore suggested that wearing blue contact lenses might be an excellent idea for anyone "looking to rekindle a romance and improve its longevity." If blue eyes really do allude to romance, it might be worth trying. Perhaps it might be worth stocking up on blue contacts if you're planning a date with your ex anytime soon. Who knows? Does this actually work? We would love to hear stories from those with first-hand experience!
Other research in 2005 suggests a few links between blue eye coloring and people's personalities that we'll get into next.
Research Into Children and Pregnant Women With Blue Eyes
Luckily, modern research isn't looking only at adults when seeing if there's a link between eye color and personality. One research project summarized that children with blue eyes were likelier to be more guarded when spending time with others. Other research examined pregnant women specifically, and the results surprisingly suggest that mothers with blue peepers were less likely to suffer from post-pregnancy mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Reflecting on all of the research and studies we've discussed so far, it's pretty wild to think that our eyes could so strongly indicate who we are!
People With Green Eyes
To get a clearer insight into the connection between green eyes and personality traits, the International Journal of Indian Psychology did some digging. But technically, their research revealed more about physical aesthetics than emotional characteristics. By the end of the research project, the analysts found that those with green eyes were said to be more attractive! If you have green eyes, we bet you're feeling rather smug now, right?
We guess that rings true. We can think of a few celebrities renowned for their good looks that sport green eyes - Emma Stone, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Mila Kunis - the list goes on!
Those With Green Eyes Aren't Necessarily Envious
Good looks aside, let us turn our attention back to the crux of this article: the links between eye color and personality traits. So, what characteristics are those with green eyes more likely to boast? You are probably familiar with the age-old adage "green with envy," right? So, understandably, you might have thought that those with emerald peepers were more likely to have jealous personalities. However, that wasn't the case.
Interestingly, the researchers did not identify envious tendencies among those with green eyes. However, they did notice other personality traits that those with green eyes were more likely to have.
A Mix of Personality Traits
According to the research published in the International Journal of Indian Psychology, those with green eye shades were likelier to be playful and naughty. On top of that, the analysts spotted that folks with green peepers had a higher chance of being inventive. Interestingly, this study also revealed that those with jade-colored eyes had a tendency to be more composed than those with different eye colorings. Does that ring true of your experience?
That is quite a mixture of endearing and positive attributes that those with green-hued eyes are said to have, right? Perhaps those of us without green eyes should be the ones green with envy!
Green Eyes Are Sometimes Described as Mystifying
On top of all of the personality characteristics already listed, the researchers also found that some participants with green eyes were described as "mystifying." As a result, some were more likely to have their guard up around those with greenish eyes. We have to admit, we have never consciously found ourselves to be more cautious around those with green peepers - and we're not the only ones. Remember Inbaal Honigman?
We mentioned her a few items back. She didn’t seem to share this opinion. Instead, she thought those with green eyes were linked with air (in a spiritual sense) and subsequently had a tendency to pull people in.
People With Green Eyes Might Be Better Communicators
Let us elaborate a bit more on what Inbaal Honigman has to say about those with green eye shades. UK newspaper, The Daily Express, quoted Honigman in an online article saying that “People with this color eyes are good communicators and often intellectual. When seeing the color green, we’re immediately drawn to reading, long conversations, and nights out.” In the same article, Lenstore also chimed in with their thoughts.
This is what Lenstore had to say: “Green-colored contacts should be chosen by those who are going on a first date, as their partner will be more enticed to the conversation.”
Green Eyes Might Be More Enticing
As we have just highlighted, specialists from the UK contact lens company Lenstore believe that green contacts should be worn by those looking to entice others. Although this may seem a tad manipulative, perhaps wearing green colored contact lenses could be the perfect choice if you have a hot date planned. Does that actually work? Does anyone have any experience with this that can confirm either way? We'd love to know!
Okay, so now that we've learned that those with green eyes might be more playful, naughty, inventive, mystical, and enticing, it's time to move on to our next eye color: amber!
Amber Colored Eyes
So that brings us to the end of our discussions on green eyes and possible links to different personality traits. Did you learn something new? Or did this research confirm a few suspicions you already had? In either case, we think we can all agree that this is a pretty interesting topic. So, what's next on our agenda? Yes, you might have guessed it (since we said it): amber.
As you probably already know, amber eyes are best described as a cross between green and brown. As a result, amber eyes sometimes have a gold-like sheen to them or a coppery look.
Those With Amber Eyes Are Likelier to Be Self-Aware
It's not uncommon for people to confuse amber eyes with hazel eyes, so don't fall into that trap because they are different. Although like amber, hazel has a shade of gold to it, it's browner in appearance. Interestingly, amber eye coloring is the consequence of genes like OCA2 and is one of the rarest eye colors in human beings. Fun fact, right? You'll also find plenty of animals with amber eyes - cats, owls, fish, and eagles, just to name a few!
That's trivial enough; what (if any) associations exist between those with amber-colored eyes and specific character traits? In search of an answer to that very question, the website, Icy Tales, conducted some research. The result?
Empathy
Apparently, researchers found that those with amber eyes are more likely to boast impeccable self-awareness. On top of that, they're also more likely to focus on the future. Does that mean they struggle to live in the moment? We are not sure. Either way, they also found that people were more likely to feel comfortable in the presence of those with amber eyes. Does this ring true of your experiences?
Building on what we have just mentioned, it is also said that those with amber eyes are more likely to be supremely empathetic. Apparently, those with amber peepers are so in tune with those around them.
Passionate
In fact, they're more likely to detect when something's amiss before anyone's said anything. That's a pretty cool skill to have, right? It's also probably why people are more likely to feel comfortable in the presence of amber-eyed individuals. But the positive traits don't end there. In addition to all the above, Icy Tales also stated that those with amber eyes are likelier to have an infectiously optimistic outlook, too.
Elsewhere in the same article, Icy Tales also suggested that those with amber eyes tend to be incredibly passionate, especially in their relationships. This applies to both their romantic relationships and friendships alike.
Those With Amber Eyes Might Be More Likely to Love the Outdoors
Do you have a devoted amber-eyed friend? Does anyone in particular spring to mind? In a similar article published by Inscriber Mag's website, they suggested that amber-eyed people were more likely to have smaller, more intense social circles. Apparently, amber-eyed individuals are more likely to be attracted to these sorts of intense relationships rather than having a larger friendship group with more superficial comradeship. Well, who knew? Did you guess these traits would be linked with amber eyes?
But before we go, we must mention one last thing that Both Icy Tale and The Inscriber Mag say that amber-eyed people have in common. Apparently, they love the great outdoors!
Thrill-Seekers
In light of that, it might not come as a surprise that those with amber eyes are more likely to be pretty active and enjoy getting out about. In fact, Inscriber Mag went as far as to describe the former as "dauntless." If you have amber eyes, you might find yourself compelled to go camping, hiking, swimming in the sea, etc. But, apparently, your third for life doesn't end there.
You might also be more likely to participate in "dangerous adventures." We can't say we've ever noticed whether our amber-eyed friends and family are more likely to partake in risky activity - but it's definitely something we'll keep an eye out for now!
Gray Eyes Are Just a Variation of Blue
You might not be surprised to hear that experts claim that gray eyes are just a variant of blue irises. When you consider how close they sit on the color scale, this might not be a huge shock. For those interested in the science behind eye coloring, what makes gray eyes gray (rather than blue), is the extra melanin. It's this pigment that creates a darker, more shadowy eye color.
Now that we have looked a little bit at what makes gray eyes gray, what personality traits do those with this eye hue have? Are there any correlations worthy of note?
Gray Eyed People Might Be More "well-Balanced"
According to South West Londoner, research infers that those gray eyes might boast more flexible characters, allowing them to manage public gatherings with greater ease. On top of that, the website says: "This can be translated to a well-balanced nature or having an extremely wide spectrum of emotions." That said, the same article also goes on to say that there isn't enough research to establish the average level of control people with gray eyes have over their "wide spectrum of emotions."
It would be interesting to see whether those with gray eyes considered their extraordinary capacity for emotion to be good or bad. We can imagine that this would have its perks and drawbacks.
Those With Gray Eyes Are Great Employees
Elsewhere in the same article listed above, a few other claims were made about those with gray eyes. If you have gray peepers, don't worry, it's all good stuff! Most notably, they're more likely to boast extraordinary concentration and a dedicated work ethic. All in all, this makes them exceptional employees and business owners! On top of that, it was also suggested that those with gray eyes were also more likely to be lenient.
Does this ring true of anyone you know? Do any of your most hardworking colleagues have gray eyes? Or do you know someone who's super focused and who also has piercing gray peepers?
People With Gray Eyes Want Respect
It is also worth noting that other research suggests that those with gray-hued eyes are particularly keen to acquire the respect of their peers. Does that mean they're more likely to come across as desperate? Or does this suggest they're more likely to be people pleasers? Or alternatively, does this just mean that they're kinder, more compassionate people? We are not sure how the need for respect translates into behavior.
On top of everything we've already mentioned, research suggests there's another personality link for those with gray eyes. Interestingly, it's a characteristic that's somewhat indicative of those with blue eyes, too!
Those With Gray Eyes Are More Likely to Be Alert
Have you guessed what this characteristic is? Apparently, those with gray eyes are more likely to stay alert and are less likely to let their guards down. Is that something you've ever found to be true? Have you found that your gray-eyed friends and family are guarded and constantly alert? Interestingly, this is a personality trait that gray-eyed people share with blue-hued peepers. Considering that gray eyes are a genetic variant of blue peepers, this isn't surprising.
That concludes everything we have to say about those with gray eyes and leads us nicely onto the personality traits associated with those sporting hazel-colored eyes. Let's take a look.
Hazel Eyes
We think it is safe to say that all of the eye colors we have covered so far: amber, blue, dark, gray, and green boast quite a selection of personality traits! Have we covered your eye color yet? If so, do you agree or resonate with any of the above commentaries? Where we're concerned, some of the characteristics we can spot, but others we are not so sure about.
But that is enough of our rambling; it is now time to move on to the sixth and final eye color. It's time to put hazel eyes under the microscope!
A Quick Definition
First, let's try to pinpoint the exact eye coloring we're discussing. Helpfully, the firm Eye Doctors of Washington shared a broad description on its website. They categorize hazel eyes as mainly consisting of shades of brown and green. They also said, "Individuals whose eyes appear to be one color closest to the pupil, another color a little farther out, and another color around the edge of the iris are likely to have hazel eyes."
That sounds pretty beautiful, right? When you consider the likes of Tyra Banks, Kelly Clarkson, and Emma Roberts, all boast hazel eyes; it's safe to say they're a gorgeous shade!
Independent
You probably won't be surprised to hear the origins of the phrase "hazel eyes." This eye color, of course, gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to a hazelnut's shell. That makes sense, right? But that's enough preamble about hazel eyes; which character traits do those with hazel peepers likely have? We refer back to the South West Londoner article. Here there was one report of a study correlating hazel eyes with characteristics.
Apparently, one finding was particularly prominent. Drum roll, please... According to this study, those with hazel eyes were said to be remarkably self-sufficient and independent — and not just as adults!
Hazel Eyed Individuals Are More Likely to Be Impulsive
In fact, South West Londoner says that independence and the ability to look after oneself is a trait likely to develop earlier in youngsters with hazel eyes. If you're a parent of a child with hazel eyes, is that true? Do you feel like your little one is more self-sufficient than average? Elsewhere, it's suggested that in addition to independence, folks with hazel peepers are known to act impulsively on occasion.
We have to admit that we don't think impulsivity is unique to those with hazel eyes. We know a fair few people with blue and gray eyes that are pretty impulsive!
Those With Hazel Colored Peepers Might Be More Self Assured
Needless to say, impulsivity can be a blessing and a curse. Impulsive plans can sometimes lead to the best nights and wonderful memories made. On the flip side, wild impulsivity can be reckless and, on occasion, dangerous. So we have to say that affiliation with this characteristic seems somewhat of a double-edged sword. On top of that, people with hazel-hued eyes are also said to be more self-assured, too.
Lastly, those with hazel eyes are also said to never back down from a challenge. Are your hazel-eyed friends determined? Are they feisty? Do they enjoy a good challenge?
Other Researchers Are Taking Note
Since the first study into eye color and personality in 2007, other researchers have jumped on the bandwagon - and we are not surprised as it sounds like a fascinating topic. As scientists delve further into whether eye coloring and our characteristics correlate, more and more interesting findings have come to the surface (most of which we've discussed in this article). So, now that you know all of this, be prepared to never look at eye shades in the same way again!
Fun fact: While we're talking about eye coloring, we thought we'd mention that the most common around the world is brown! Apparently, around 70% of the globe's population has dark eyes!
More Research Is Needed
We don't know about you, but we definitely think that the results of these studies will stick with us for a while. Did you hear some claims that you disagreed with? Were you that observant of other people's eye coloring before reading this listicle? We bet now you will be! However, one thing's for sure: none of these studies are holistic. As such, we think more research needs to be done.
Further investigation is needed to build more concrete connections between eye color and personality traits - and we can't wait to keep our ear to the ground for the results!
We Won't Be Forgetting These Studies Anytime Soon
Well, that's everything we know about the scientific hypotheses on the connections between eye coloring and our personality traits. And we won't be looking into people's eyes the same way ever again. But remember - we should still avoid judging a book by its cover or - in this case - a human by their eye color, especially for those associated with more negative personality traits.
Still, it's pretty cool to know the six eye shades humans can develop (brown or dark, green, gray, blue, amber, and hazel) and the different ways these hues supposedly reveal your nature.