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Violette

♀ Girl

Pronounced vee-oh-LET /ˌviː.oʊˈlɛt/High

Meaning: French diminutive of Violette, from Latin viola (violet flower); the violet symbolized modesty, faithfulness, and remembrance in classical and medieval European traditionHigh

In 30 seconds: Violette is the French diminutive form of Violet, from Latin viola meaning the violet flower, carrying the bloom's classical symbolism of modesty, loyalty, and remembrance, and associated with a celebrated World War II heroine.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin
MeaningFrench diminutive of Violette, from Latin viola (violet flower); the violet symbolized modesty, faithfulness, and remembrance in classical and medieval European tradition
U.S. rank (2025)#894 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births298 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,400

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518862025

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

History & Origin

Violette derives from French violette, a diminutive of viole, from Latin viola (violet flower). The violet was significant in classical antiquity — Athens used the violet as its symbol, and the flower represented modesty and faithfulness. In the Language of Flowers (popular in Victorian England and France), the violet meant modesty, remembrance, and faithful love. Violette as a French given name has been used since at least the medieval period and was a favourite in 19th-century France.

Violette gained heroic associations through Violette Szabo (1921–1945), the Franco-British SOE agent who became one of the most celebrated resistance heroines of World War II. In the 21st century Violette is experiencing a strong revival, particularly in France and among English-speaking parents who favour French vintage names. It shares the same floral-feminine revival space as Fleur, Rosalie, Marguerite, and Celine. Victoria Beckham and David Beckham named their daughter Harper, not Violette; however, the name is popular in France as one of the top names for girls.

Did you know? Violette Szabo (1921–1945) was a French-British Special Operations Executive agent in World War II who was captured, tortured, and executed at Ravensbruck concentration camp; she was posthumously awarded the George Cross and became the subject of the 1958 film Carve Her Name with Pride.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Violette — etymology and French usage

Variations

VioletViolaVioletta

Nicknames

ViVioLettie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Violette Szabo (1921–1945)
    French-British Special Operations Executive agent in World War II who was captured and executed at Ravensbruck; posthumously awarded the George Cross.

If you like Violette…

Violet— the English form of the same floral name with identical meaning
Fleur— French floral girls name with the same vintage Gallic elegance
Colette— French -ette feminine name with the same two-syllable ending and literary sophistication
Rosalie— French floral girls name sharing Violette's romantic, vintage French character

Frequently Asked

What does Violette mean?

Violette is the French diminutive of Violet, from Latin viola meaning the violet flower, associated with modesty and faithfulness.

How do you pronounce Violette?

It is said vee-oh-LET — three syllables, stress on the last.

Is Violette the same as Violet?

Violette is the French form of Violet; they have the same meaning but different cultural characters — Violette is more specifically French and sophisticated.

Who was Violette Szabo?

Violette Szabo was a Franco-British SOE agent in WWII, captured and executed by the Nazis; she was posthumously awarded Britain's highest civilian bravery decoration.