The color "chartreuse" was named after the liqueur "Chartreuse" which was named after a monastery in the Chartreuse mountains of France. The liqueur was originally made by monks and is still made under the supervision of monks in Voiron France.
The basic formula is over 400 years old and the color comes from the chlorophyll of 130 plant extracts. It was originally created as a medicine and green Chartreuse is 110 proof!
The web color "chartreuse" (#7FFF00) is exactly 50% green and 50% yellow, FWIW.
According to lifehack.org, chartreuse is the most visible color to the human eye.
source:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/nine-brain-quirks-you-didnt-realize-you-had.html
Wiki has some interesting information and history, including the above that I have posted here.
The liqueur has a very interesting taste that I actually like. I prefer a small glass of chilled Patrón more though.
Best,
Kurt