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Scarlet

♀ Girl

Pronounced SKAHR-let /ˈskɑːrlɪt/High

Meaning: From the English color word 'scarlet,' denoting a vivid red; ultimately from Old French escarlate and Medieval Latin scarlatum, derived from Persian saqalat referring to a richly dyed clothHigh

In 30 seconds: Scarlet is a bold, vivid color-name meaning bright red. A variant of the more common Scarlett (with double-t), it carries fire and passion while feeling slightly streamlined.
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Origin HighEnglish, Old French, Persian
MeaningFrom the English color word 'scarlet,' denoting a vivid red; ultimately from Old French escarlate and Medieval Latin scarlatum, derived from Persian saqalat referring to a richly dyed cloth
U.S. rank (2025)#510 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births581 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 17,702

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201519392025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Scarlet derives from the vivid red color, which itself traces through Old French escarlate to the Persian saqalat — a type of luxury cloth often dyed in brilliant hues. As a given name, Scarlet follows the long tradition of color-names and was bolstered by Margaret Mitchell's iconic heroine Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (1936).

Scarlet (one t) is an alternate spelling of Scarlett. Both versions have risen dramatically in the 21st century. Scarlett Johansson brought the double-t version to enormous fame, but the single-t Scarlet has attracted parents who prefer its cleaner look. Both spellings now rank in the top 100–200 U.S. girls' names.

Did you know? The word 'scarlet' originally referred not to the color but to a luxury fabric — a type of expensive cloth that was often dyed red. The color became so associated with the cloth that the word eventually meant the color itself.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Scarlett — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ScarlettScarlette

Nicknames

ScarLetty

Famous Bearers

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If you like Scarlet…

Scarlett— the double-t spelling of the same vivid color-name
Ruby— fellow bold jewel/color name with the same fiery red energy
Violet— color-name girl's name in the same nature/hue naming category
Crimson— another deep-red color word occasionally used as a given name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Scarlet mean?

Scarlet means 'vivid red' — from Old French escarlate referring to a richly dyed cloth. It is a bold color-name with centuries of cultural use.

How do you pronounce Scarlet?

It is said SKAHR-let — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Scarlet a boy or girl name?

Scarlet is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Scarlet?

Scarlet (one t) is slightly less common than Scarlett but both rank in the top 200 U.S. girls' names.