Scarlet

“Bright red color”

English origin · used since the 19th century

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#464US 2023

663Births / yr

↓Falling

14.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 193900.05% of births at peak

How to pronounce Scarlet

SKAH·rlut

/ˈskɑ.rlət/ · stress on SKAH · 2 syllables

“Bright red color”

English origin · Girl name

What does Scarlet mean and where does it come from?

Scarlet is derived from the Middle English word 'scarlat', which referred to a rich, luxurious fabric of a vibrant red color. The name has been used since the 19th century and carries associations of beauty, passion, and intensity. It may also evoke historical contexts, such as the Scarlet Letter by

Cultural significance

Scarlet has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright red color.

Peak popularity

Reached #370 in 2013 — currently #464 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Scarlet?

Scarlet works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Scarlet Grace

How popular is Scarlet right now?

Declining — down 32 spots — currently #464 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#464 · Top 0.34%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#464	663	▼ down 32 · -8% births
2022	#432	724	▲ up 16 · +4% births
2021	#448	698	▼ down 2 · +2% births
2020	#446	682	▼ down 71 · -22% births
2015	#375	869	▲ up 39 · +14% births
2010	#414	762	▲ up 694 · +256% births
2005	#1108	214	▲ up 641 · +114% births
2000	#1749	100	▲ up 32 · +23% births
1995	#1781	81	▲ up 601 · +56% births
1990	#2382	52	▼ down 264 · +4% births
1985	#2118	50	▼ down 14 · +2% births
1980	#2104	49	▼ down 64 · +14% births
1975	#2040	43	▼ down 349 · -22% births
1970	#1691	55	▼ down 211 · -4% births
1965	#1480	57	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Scarlet

Best Year2015Rank #375

Peak Count869

Average Rank#1400

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1940 - 202320 years

The story of Scarlet

Scarlet entered American naming records in 1939 and has been in use for over 85 years. A total of 14,389 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2108 in 1940 to #464 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Scarlet in 2013:

Sophia Emma Olivia Isabella Ava

Scarlet by decade

Scarlet peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	6
1940s	216
1950s	348
1960s	609
1970s	535
1980s	493
1990s	704
2000s	2,613
2010s ★	8,183
2020s	682

What are good nicknames for Scarlet?

Common

ScaScieScyArlet

What names sound and feel like Scarlet?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Scarlet also consider these

Scarlett

England · red; scarlet color

Skarlet

American · English

Starlet

American · a young star

Sharlet

France · freeman.

Scarleth

American · Red; bright red

Carlet

American · Carlet is thought

Scarlitt

English · A meaningful name

Charlet

France · free man or

How is Scarlet written in other languages?

Scarlett

ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Scarlet

What does the name Scarlet mean?

Scarlet means "Bright red color" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Scarlet?

Scarlet is currently ranked #464 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Scarlet?

Scarlet originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Scarlet?

Scarlet is a two-syllable name pronounced S K AA1 R L AH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What are good nicknames for Scarlet?

Scarlet naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.