Viola

♀ Girl

Pronounced vee-OH-luh /viˈoʊ.lə/High

Meaning: Violet; from Latin viola (the violet flower)High

In 30 seconds: A Latin flower name meaning 'violet,' as well as the musical instrument (a deeper-voiced relative of the violin). Shakespeare's Twelfth Night heroine Viola is one of the Bard's most beloved creations.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningViolet; from Latin viola (the violet flower)

U.S. rank (2025)#1015 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births247 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 132,988

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Viola is the Latin word for the violet flower (genus Viola). In music, the viola is the tenor/alto string instrument of the violin family. As a given name, Shakespeare used it for the witty, resourceful heroine of Twelfth Night (c.1601).

Viola was popular in the late 19th–early 20th century, declined, and is now reviving as a fresh vintage choice. It ranked #1190 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Viola Davis became the first Black woman to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting (Emmy, Oscar, Tony) when she won her second Emmy in 2019 — making Viola one of the most acclaimed names in contemporary acting.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Viola — Latin etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

VioletViolette

Nicknames

ViVio

Famous Bearers

★Viola Davis (1965–present)
American actress, the first Black performer to win the Triple Crown of Acting (Emmy, Oscar, Tony). Known for How to Get Away with Murder, Fences, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
★Viola (Twelfth Night) (fictional)
The resourceful heroine of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (c.1601), who disguises herself as a boy named Cesario.

If you like Viola…

Violet— the English form of the same Latin viola root

Vivian— Vi- opening Latin name with the same classic elegance

Virginia— Latin -ia ending feminine name with the same classical beauty

Victoria— Latin -ia ending name with the same vintage stateliness

Valentina— Latin -a ending name with the same romantic Italian quality

Explore names like Viola

By themelatin three-syllable flower musical botanical shakespearean

By meaningFlower

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Viola mean?

Viola means 'violet,' the flower, from Latin viola. It is also the name of the musical instrument and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night heroine.

How do you pronounce Viola?

It's said vee-OH-luh — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Viola a boy or girl name?

Viola is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Viola?

Viola ranked #1190 for U.S. girls in 2024.