According to Monokuro Boo's unnamed female designer, the concept of using monotone colors for this character was a deliberate deviation from the general trend where all things and characters that are cute (or "kawaii") have to be in bright and colorful palettes. By introducing a line of merchandise that come in black, white and gray, the designer hoped to prove that it is possible for such a concept to be accepted and entertained by the general public, consumers and fans of kawaii merchandise in general.

In line with the character's concept, the name "Monokuro Boo" is also a derivation of the words "Monokuro" ("Monochrome") and "Boo" (the Japanese onomatopoeic equivalent for "oink"). Alternatively, it is also a possibility that "Monokuro" is also a play on the Japanese word "kuro", which means "black", while "Boo" can actually be for the first syllable for the Japanese word for "pig", which is "buta". These are only general assumptions and remain unconfirmed.