Etymologically rooted in a profession of high-quality craftsmanship and a color associated with passion, Scarlett is a moniker for a girl who is destined to stand out. It does not blend into the background. Whether you love it for its literary history or its punchy, phonetic appeal, this name offers sophistication with a “cool girl” edge.
Verdict: Scarlett is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the perfect alternative to the ultra-popular Charlotte or Violet, providing a similar vintage sound but with much more grit and vivacity.
Scarlett Overview
- Meaning: Scarlett as a modern name comes from the vivid red color scarlet and is associated with passion, courage, strength, and power.
- Gender: Traditionally feminine.
- Origin: English in origin.
- Pronunciation: “SKAHR-lit”. It rhymes with “starlet” and “Charlotte.”
- Popularity: Scarlett has become very popular in recent years, staying in the top 100 for about a decade.
- Nicknames: Cara, Carly, Ettie, Lettie, Lottie, Red, Scar, Scarlove, Scarly, Scarsy, Sky, Starlett.
- Variations: Saqerlȃt, Scarlat, Scarlatum, Scarlet.
- Namesakes: Scarlett Johansson, Scarlett Alice Johnson, Scarlett Pomers.
What Does Scarlett Mean?
At first glance, the meaning seems straightforward: it refers to the color scarlet, a brilliant shade of red with hints of orange (1). However, the etymology tells a richer story about craftsmanship and value.
The name originally denoted a person who sold or dyed distinctive woolen cloth. In medieval Europe, “scarlet” did not actually refer to the color, but to a high-end, expensive type of woolen fabric. Because this luxury fabric was most often dyed a brilliant red, the word eventually shifted from describing the cloth to describing the color itself.
Therefore, the name implies not just the vibrancy of the color red, associated with passion, courage, force, and joy, but also quality, luxury, and artisan skill (2). A child named Scarlett carries a name that historically symbolized wealth and high status because bright red dyes were rare and costly to produce.
Where Does the Name Scarlett Come From?
The name Scarlett is English in origin, serving originally as an occupational surname for a dyer or seller of scarlet cloth.
The linguistic journey of the word is fascinatingly international. It traces back to the Persian word saqerlāt, which referred to the type of cloth. This traveled into the Old French escarlate, the Latin scarlatum, and eventually the Middle English scarlat (3).
As a given name, it is a relatively modern invention compared to ancient Biblical or Royal names. It remained quite rare as a first name until the mid-20th century. Its usage as a first name is almost entirely credited to Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel Gone with the Wind. Interestingly, the author originally named her protagonist “Pansy” before her editor convinced her to change it to Scarlett just before printing. That single edit likely saved the name from obscurity and turned it into the literary icon it is today (name evolved along with the color).
How Popular is the Name Scarlett?
Scarlett is a true “modern classic.” If you look at the trajectory of the name in US Social Security Administration (SSA) data, you will see a unique shape.
Following the release of the film Gone with the Wind in 1939, the name saw a small bump but remained largely dormant and rare throughout the mid-20th century. It was considered an eccentric, distinctly Southern literary name.
That changed dramatically in the 21st century. Beginning in the early 2000s, Scarlett began a meteoric rise. It broke into the Top 100 in 2011 and has remained a powerhouse favorite ever since. It is no longer a rising star; it is an established favorite (4).
In the current era, Scarlett consistently ranks within or near the Top 20 girl names in the United States. It strikes a “sweet spot” of popularity: it is familiar enough that everyone can spell and pronounce it, but it retains enough stylish flair that it doesn’t feel as ubiquitous as names like Mary or Jennifer did in previous generations.
How Do I Pronounce Scarlett?
The standard pronunciation in American English is SKAHR-lit.
The first syllable rhymes with “star” or “car,” and the second syllable is a short, crisp sound like “lit.” It is a phonetic name that rarely causes confusion.
- Common Rhymes: Starlet, Charlotte, Varlet.
Is Scarlett a Boy or Girl Name?
Scarlett is traditionally and overwhelmingly a female name. While occupational surnames (like Mason, Cooper, or Parker) often become unisex, Scarlett’s strong association with the specific bright red color and the famous literary heroine has kept it firmly in the feminine category.
Variations of Scarlett
Because Scarlett is an English surname derived from a specific word, it does not have as many direct translations as Biblical names. However, there are spelling variations and linguistic roots to consider:
- Scarlet: (English) The streamlined spelling directly matching the color.
- Scarlette: (French influence) Adding the “e” suffix gives it a more distinctly French or “frilly” aesthetic.
- Scarlat: (Romanian) A surname variation found in Eastern Europe.
- Escarlett: (Spanish influence) A phonetic variation occasionally seen in Hispanic communities.
Nicknames for Scarlett
One of the best parts of this name is the versatility of nicknames, ranging from the obvious to the creative.
Common Nicknames:
- Scar: The most intuitive, edgy short form.
- Lottie: A sweet, vintage option shared with Charlotte.
- Lettie: A soft, feminine vintage nickname.
- Red: A spunky nickname based on the name’s meaning.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Scout: While usually a standalone name, the hard “Sc” and “t” sounds make this a spirited, tomboyish nickname for Scarlett.
- Etta: Pulling from the “ett” ending, this offers a jazzy, retro vibe.
- Sky: A stretch, but one that highlights the first initial and the bright nature of the name.
Names Similar to Scarlett
If you love the vibe of Scarlett, bold, feminine, and slightly vintage, but aren’t sure it is “the one,” consider these alternatives:
- Ruby: Like Scarlett, this is a high-energy name associated with a deep red color, but it feels slightly more spunky and compact.
- Violet: Another color and flower name that shares the “let” ending but feels softer and more floral.
- Charlotte: The softer, more royal cousin to Scarlett. They rhyme, but Charlotte feels more traditional while Scarlett feels more Hollywood.
- Stella: Meaning “star,” Stella shares the same vintage revival energy and strong consonant sounds.
- Penelope: A longer name with Greek roots that offers great nickname potential (Penny, Poppy) and a similar rhythmic feel.
- Sienna: Another name derived from a color (an earthy reddish-brown) that feels modern and artistic.
- Harper: Shares the literary credibility (Harper Lee) and the two-syllable, slightly rugged structure.
- Vivienne: Shares the “double letter” French aesthetic and implies life and vibrancy.
Middle Names for Scarlett
Because Scarlett is a two-syllable name with a strong ending sound, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of middle names.
Classic & Timeless
These names ground Scarlett in tradition and elegance.
Nature & Boho
These emphasize the colorful, earthy meaning of the name.
Modern & Punchy
Short, one-syllable names create a rhythmic, confident full name.
- Scarlett Blake
- Scarlett Quinn
- Scarlett Blair
- Scarlett Reese
- Scarlett Sloane
Sibling Names for Scarlett
Building a sib-set around Scarlett means looking for names that are recognizable and stylish, with a touch of history.
For a Brother
You generally want a name that is masculine but has a bit of “dapper” charm to match Scarlett’s glamour.
- Rhett: The ultimate pairing from Gone with the Wind, though perhaps too thematic for some parents.
- Jasper: A stone name with a cool, vintage British vibe.
- Julian: Soft yet strong, matching Scarlett’s romance.
- Wyatt: Shares the double-T ending and the Southern/Western ruggedness.
- Everett: A distinguished surname-name that sounds great with Scarlett.
- Liam: A popular choice that balances the strength of Scarlett.
For a Sister
Sister names should match Scarlett’s feminine intensity without clashing.
- Audrey: Another Old Hollywood icon (Hepburn) that pairs perfectly.
- Ruby: Doubles down on the red/gem theme; very cohesive stylistically.
- Genevieve: A longer, romantic French name that holds its own against Scarlett.
- Delilah: Shares the slightly sultry, biblical-adjacent feel.
- Daisy: A cheerful, lighter counterpart to the deeper Scarlett.
Famous People Named Scarlett
The name has been bolstered by high-profile actresses who embody the name’s glamorous reputation.
- Scarlett Johansson: The most famous modern bearer; an American actress known for roles in Lost in Translation and as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Scarlett Byrne: An English actress known for her role as Pansy Parkinson in the Harry Potter series.
- Scarlett Alice Johnson: An English actress known for her work in EastEnders.
- Scarlett Moffatt: A British television personality and presenter.
- Scarlett Pomers: An American actress known for her role on the sitcom Reba.
Scarlett in Pop Culture
Fiction has played a massive role in this name’s history.
- Scarlett O’Hara: The fiery, resilient protagonist of Gone with the Wind (1936), who single-handedly popularized the name.
- Miss Scarlet: The femme fatale character in the classic board game Clue (and its movie adaptation).
- Scarlett: The code name for the counter-intelligence specialist in the G.I. Joe franchise.
- Scarlett: A character in the British teen drama Skins.
FAQs About the Name Scarlett
What Does the Color Scarlet Have to Do With the Name Scarlett?
The name Scarlett originated directly from the color scarlet. Scarlett was the occupational surname given to medieval artisans who made and sold “scarlet,” a high-quality woolen fabric that was dyed a bright red. Because the fabric was a luxury item associated with wealth, power, and attractiveness, the association eventually turned the word into a given name.
Is Scarlett a Biblical Name?
No, Scarlett is not a Biblical girl’s name. While the word “scarlet” (referring to the color of sin or thread) appears in verses like Isaiah 1:18 (“though your sins be as scarlet”), it is used as an adjective, not a personal name. The name’s popularity is secular, driven by literature and Hollywood rather than scripture.
Is Scarlett a Good Name?
Yes, Scarlett is an excellent choice. It is a “Goldilocks” name: it is currently popular enough to be easily recognized and pronounced, but it has a distinctive history that keeps it from feeling generic. It ages well, suiting both a toddler and a professional woman.
What Is the Best Spelling of Scarlett?
The most common and traditionally accepted spelling is “Scarlett” with two Ts. This is the spelling used in Gone with the Wind and by Scarlett Johansson. The variation “Scarlet” (one T) is also valid and mimics the dictionary spelling of the color, but it is less popular as a name. “Scarlette” is a rarer French-style variation.
Does the Name Scarlett Have a Negative Meaning?
Historically, the phrase “scarlet woman” was used as a euphemism for a woman of loose morals or an adulteress (referencing the Whore of Babylon in Revelation or The Scarlet Letter). However, in modern society, this association has largely faded. Today, the name is overwhelmingly associated with the color red, strength, vitality, and Hollywood glamour rather than scandal.
