Baby Name Scarlett: Choosing a Meaningful Moniker for Your Little One

When you think of the name Scarlett, it might conjure images of the bold Scarlett O’Hara from ‘Gone With the Wind’ or the vivid red hue of a rose in full bloom. The name Scarlett has roots that stretch back to an occupation surname for a person who sold scarlet, a sought-after luxury wool cloth from Medieval Europe. In more recent years, Scarlett has been embraced for its association with courage, passion, and joy, qualities that many parents seek to instill in their children.

The origin of Scarlett is English, although the name has enjoyed widespread appeal across various cultures. Its meaning, ‘scarlet, red,’ reflects not just a color, but an attitude—a vibrant boldness and warmth. Over the years, Scarlett has seen fluctuating popularity, but made a strong comeback in the late 20th century, soaring up the baby name charts.

Today, the name Scarlett continues to charm parents around the globe. Its popularity speaks to a modern preference for names that are both classic and spirited. Whether drawn to its literary ties or the vivacity of the color scarlet, choosing the name Scarlett is a way for you to give your child a name with depth and liveliness.

The Origin and Meaning of Scarlett

When you hear the name Scarlett, you’re tapping into a rich historical tapestry that intertwines luxury, power, and a vibrant color that has caught eyes since the Middle Ages.

Historical Background

Scarlett was not just a name but represented a highly sought-after fabric in Medieval Europe. If you wore scarlet, you wore wealth and luxury, as this was the color of choice for the affluent.

Linguistic Roots

Originally, the name draws from the Old French word ‘escarlate’ and the English origin ‘scarlet’. Both refer to the luxurious red cloth, which was dyed using kermes, a type of insect.

Cultural Associations

Scarlett suggests not just a color but a series of qualities like power and strength. This rich red has been associated with passion and courage throughout history, painting a vivid character for anyone with this standout name.

Famous Scarletts and Cultural Impact

The name Scarlett, infused with vibrance and memorability, not only stands out in day-to-day encounters but also resonates within the entertainment industry and literature, leaving a lasting cultural imprint.

Scarlett O’Hara and ‘Gone with the Wind’

Scarlett O’Hara is perhaps the most iconic character associated with the name. As the fiery protagonist of Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone with the Wind, her complex persona symbolized the Old South’s fall and resurgence. The book and its film adaptation from 1939 left an indelible mark in cultural history, influencing parents to bestow the name on generations to come.

Actress Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson is an A-list celebrity whose career spans numerous critically acclaimed and blockbuster films. Johansson, often simply referred to as “ScarJo” by fans and media, extends the name Scarlett’s association with passion and strength, characteristics she often brings to her roles. Her presence in the industry cements the name’s modern, yet timeless appeal.

Other Notable People Named Scarlett

The appeal of the name has found its way into various spheres, gracing many notable figures. In the world of television, Scarlett O’Connor, a character from the show Nashville, highlights another strong, artistic representation of the name. Wrestling enthusiasts might recognize the name from Scarlett Bordeaux, adding an athletic edge to its fame. In the realm of acting, young talents like Scarlett Estevez and Scarlett Alice Johnson contribute to the name’s popularity, as does musician Scarlett Pomers. Each individual has helped the name Scarlett continue its legacy across different media and audiences.

Popularity and Trends in Naming

When choosing the name Scarlett for your baby, you’re selecting a name whose recent trends show a remarkable rise in popularity, particularly in the United States. It’s a choice that connects tradition with contemporary appeal.

Recent Popularity Charts

Scarlett has become a familiar presence on baby name popularity charts. Specifically, after a period of lesser usage, it experienced a resurgence in the 1990s and continued to ascend in popularity. Its milestone achievement was entering the top 20, peaking at number 18 in both 2016 and 2017 according to data from the Social Security Administration. This spike signifies its increased favor among parents in recent years, marking Scarlett as a modern classic.

Name Variations and Spelling

The name Scarlett has spawned a few variants that reflect creative spelling choices or cultural influences. Some of these variations include Scarlette, Scarlat, and diminutives such as Lettie and Ettie. While these variants are less common, they offer a personal touch to a name that bridges traditional roots with individual expression. Whether these alternative spellings will climb the popularity charts in the United States or the United Kingdom remains to be seen. However, the original spelling of Scarlett remains the most popular choice among parents today.

Choosing the Perfect Middle Name

When selecting a middle name for Scarlett, you’re choosing more than just an extra name; you’re selecting an identity that complements the beauty of ‘Scarlett’. The right middle name should flow harmoniously with both the first and last name and ideally hold a special meaning or connection.

Popular Combinations

When it comes to pairing Scarlett with a middle name, some combinations stand out for their popularity and grace. Here are a few choices you might consider:

• Scarlett Ava – Blending a bold first name with a simple, yet elegant middle name.
• Scarlett Rose – A classic combination where both names connote beauty and sophistication.
• Scarlett Sienna – The alliteration offers a catchy and memorable name pairing.
• Scarlett Violet – Combining Scarlett with Violet creates a colorfully vibrant name duo.
• Scarlett Penelope – A mix of modern and traditional, adding length and rhythm.

For more inspiration on popular Scarlett combinations, peruse this list of gorgeous middle names.

Sibling Name Harmonization

If you’re considering how Scarlett will sound alongside her sibling names, aim for names that share a similar style or aesthetic without overlapping too much.

• Charlotte and Scarlett – While both are elegant, they may be too similar in sound.
• Ruby and Scarlett – Each carries a certain charm, though they share color themes.
• Stella and Scarlett – These names complement each other, both vintage and en vogue.
• Sienna and Scarlett – They pair well together, although they start with the same letter.
• Penelope and Scarlett – Distinct but harmonious, offering a nice balance in length and style.

When choosing sibling names, consider the harmony between the names and whether they create a pleasant ensemble when said aloud.

Color Symbolism and Personal Connections

When you choose the name Scarlett for your baby, you’re not just picking a name but also invoking the rich symbolism associated with the color red. It’s a name loaded with emotion, from fiery passion to deep joy.

Red: Power and Passion

Scarlett is a name that rings with the power and passion of the red color it signifies. Historically, red has been a color of nobility and valor. This vibrant hue has been weaved into royal standards and military regalia, signifying courage and strength. When you hear the name Scarlett, you might think of someone who embodies these dynamic qualities, someone capable of love with intensity and living with a sense of purpose.

• Joy and Love: Red is often the color adopted to express joy and love, making it a fitting choice for a name that could represent someone dear and cherished in your life.
• Fabric and Trade: In the times of the Roman Empire, red fabrics, including scarlatum (a bright red fabric), were highly prized and sought after in trade, pointing to a legacy of prestige wrapped up with the color.

Psychology of the Color Scarlett

The color Scarlett does more than just catch the eye; it stirs feelings deeply rooted in our psyche. Psychologically, red is a stimulant, signifying energy and increasing enthusiasm.

• Scarlett and Silks: The luxurious association with red is maintained in the connection to silks—another nod to Scarlett’s historical and cultural impact as a name derived from fabric traders who sold this rich, sought-after material.
• Empowerment: To bear the name Scarlett could be seen as empowering, encouraging a wearer to stand tall, driven by an innate sense of passion and the strength to pursue their dreams.

So, when you think of the name Scarlett, you’re tapping into a world of historical richness and cultural depth: a legacy of emperors, the warmth of heartfelt love, and the inspiring call to adventure and success.