gdk::color_parse

This function creates a new GdkColor structure and fills it according to the color named in the color_spec parameter. The string that is passed as the parameter can be the hex triplet version of the color, e.g. '#FF0000', or the equivalent color name linked in rgb.txt, e.g. 'red'.

Win32 users will not be able to find that file, as it is compiled. There is a good rgb.txt reference page here.