I don't know the name of the pattern if there is one, but I make a lot of quilts out of squares in the manner that you are referring to. I choose a light color and a very dark color and then two or three or more medium colors. You can put your row of very dark in across the middle or on the lower corner. Your lightest color goes in the opposite corner, and then arrange your mediums in the middle. I usually use a diagonal set and lay everything out on the design wall.... then pick up two rows at a time( up and down), stitch the blocks together, then the next row, etc. Press each alternating row of seams the opposite way and then stitch the rows together.
This is one of the fastest ways to make a quilt since you are just using squares.
If starting from the middle, then it can be a Sunshine and Shadow or a Trip Around the World. I have also done quite a few tumbling blocks in this manner.