Scarlett is a name steeped in passion, artistry, and a vibrant hue. While it evokes images of movie stars and literary heroines, Scarlett‘s rise to popularity is a relatively recent phenomenon, gaining significant traction in the early 2000s, while its close variant, Scarlet, saw a slower ascent.
Scarlett Name Meaning
The name Scarlett is directly derived from the brilliant red color. This connection immediately brings to mind imagery of roses, love, and a sense of boldness. The association with the color also has historical significance. "Scarlet" was a luxurious and highly prized cloth in Medieval Europe, adding an element of sophistication and refinement to the name’s background. It’s interesting to note that "Scarlet" also functioned as a surname and occupational name, designating merchants who traded in this expensive fabric.
Today, Scarlett finds itself comfortably among other color-inspired names like Violet and Ruby, offering a bright yet elegant choice. It shares a literary charm with names like Harper and Imogen, while simultaneously conveying a sense of strength and regality, similar to Katherine or Victoria.
A child named Scarlett is often perceived as spirited and expressive, ready to make her mark on the world through various avenues, whether it’s singing, dancing, or pursuing intellectual endeavors like coding. Her distinctive name sets her apart, encouraging individuality and a willingness to forge her own path. She embraces both the finer things in life and simple pleasures, enjoying extravagant displays and down-to-earth family moments.
While Scarlett stands beautifully on its own, Lettie offers a charming and familiar nickname option for those seeking a shorter form.
Scarlett Name Popularity
Just how popular is the name Scarlett? The data provides a fascinating look at its historical usage and recent surge in favor.
Prior to the mid-20th century, Scarlett was a relatively uncommon name. Examining Social Security Administration (SSA) data, its presence was sporadic, with very few recorded births before 1940. The name began to appear more consistently, albeit still in low numbers, in the 1940s and remained modestly used for several decades.
Here is a summary of the historical popularity trend for the name Scarlett:
- 1910-1939: Negligible usage; appeared sporadically.
- 1940-1970: Gradual increase in popularity, remaining in the lower ranks (below 800). The year 1962 saw 90 births, resulting in a rank of 894, and a percentage birth of 0.0049%.
- 1971-2000: Fluctuating popularity, but generally remained outside the top 700 names.
- 2000s: A significant surge in popularity began.
- 2010s-Present: Consistent presence in the top 20 names. The name achieved top 20 status in 2018, with 7,182 births, and a rank of 20, and 0.5227% percentage birth.
The dramatic rise in popularity during the 2000s is undeniable. By 2010, Scarlett had climbed into the top 200, and by 2011, it cracked the top 100. Since then, it has consistently ranked among the most popular girl names in the United States. In 2022, Scarlett reached number 14, with 7,224 births. In 2023, it ranked at 17, with 6,311 births, representing 0.4876% of female births.
The District of Columbia shows some of the earliest adoption rates.
Names Like Scarlett
If the allure of Scarlett resonates with you, consider these similar options:
Diminutives of Scarlett:
- Lettie: "Footloose; joy" (Latin)
- Letty: "Footloose; joy" (Latin)
Variants of Scarlett:
- Scarlet: "Shade of red" (English)
- Scarletta: "Red" (French)
- Scarlette: "Red" (French)
Names that sound like Scarlett:
- Charlotte: "Free man" (French)
Similar Names:
- Autumn: "Season of harvest" (English)
- Daisy: "Daisy flower" (English)
- Indigo: "Blue-purple color" (English)
- Juliette: "Youthful and downy" (French)
- Laurel: "The bay, or laurel plant" (Latin)
- Lavender: "Lavender flower" (English)
- Rosalie: "Rose flower" (French)
- Sienna: "Reddish brown" (English)
- Violet: "Violet flower" (English)
- Willow: "Willow tree" (English)
Siblings of Scarlett
Parents who choose the name Scarlett often select these names for their other children:
- Rowan: "Of the rowan tree" (Gaelic)
- Sayer: "Wood-worker" (Welsh)
- Selah: "Rock" (Hebrew)
- Augustine: "Great, magnificent" (Latin)
- Atticus: "From Attica" (Latin)
- Harleyquinn
The name Scarlett offers a rich blend of history, meaning, and contemporary appeal, making it a compelling choice for parents seeking a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.