What does Scarlett mean and where does it come from?
Scarlett is derived from the Old French word 'escarlate,' which means 'scarlet' or 'red.' The name became particularly popular in the 19th century, partially due to its association with the color and the profession of cloth merchants. Scarlett gained significant popularity in the early 2000s, driven
Cultural significance
Scarlett has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of red; scarlet color.
Peak popularity
Reached #18 in 2016 — currently #17 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Scarlett?
Scarlett works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Scarlett Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Scarlett Rose
Floral · soft ending
Scarlett Mae
Sweet · timeless
Scarlett Claire
French influence · crisp
Scarlett Jane
Literary · strong
Scarlett Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Scarlett right now?
Holding steady — currently #17 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #17 | 6,311 | ▼ down 3 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #14 | 7,256 | ▲ up 6 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #20 | 6,627 | ▲ up 1 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #21 | 6,455 | ▲ up 1 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #22 | 7,131 | ▲ up 93 · +163% births |
| 2010 | #115 | 2,716 | ▲ up 307 · +271% births |
| 2005 | #422 | 733 | ▲ up 520 · +223% births |
| 2000 | #942 | 227 | ▼ down 190 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #752 | 272 | ▲ up 311 · +63% births |
| 1990 | #1063 | 167 | ▲ up 166 · +49% births |
| 1985 | #1229 | 112 | ▼ down 97 · -7% births |
| 1980 | #1132 | 121 | ▲ up 633 · +128% births |
| 1975 | #1765 | 53 | ▼ down 662 · -50% births |
| 1970 | #1103 | 107 | ▼ down 74 · +4% births |
| 1965 | #1029 | 103 | — |
The story of Scarlett
Scarlett entered American naming records in 1937 and has been in use for over 87 years. Its peak popularity was #18 in 2016. A total of 79,737 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #943 in 1940 to #17 in 2023. Scarlett is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Scarlett in 2016:
Scarlett by decade
Scarlett peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 20 | |
| 1940s | 566 | |
| 1950s | 560 | |
| 1960s | 988 | |
| 1970s | 920 | |
| 1980s | 1,206 | |
| 1990s | 2,256 | |
| 2000s | 8,597 | |
| 2010s ★ | 58,164 | |
| 2020s | 6,460 | |
What are good nicknames for Scarlett?
Famous people named Scarlett
SJ
Scarlett Johansson
American actress who played Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starred in Lost in Translation
SO
Scarlett O'Hara (fictional)
The iconic protagonist of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind, one of the most famous characters in American fiction
SM
Scarlett Moffatt
British television presenter and author known for Gogglebox and I'm a Celebrity
TS
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel gave the scarlet color a cultural resonance that the name Scarlett carries
S(
Scarlett (character)
Feisty heroine appearing across British children's fiction as a symbol of spirited independence
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Scarlett?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Scarlett also consider these
How is Scarlett written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Scarlett
What does the name Scarlett mean?
Scarlett means "red; scarlet color" — a name rooted in England 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 Scarlett?
Scarlett is currently ranked #17 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Scarlett?
Scarlett originates from England tradition. England 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 Scarlett?
Scarlett is a two-syllable name pronounced S K AA1 R L IH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Scarlett more of a girl or boy name?
Scarlett is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.