What does Violet mean and where does it come from?
The name Violet originates from the Latin word 'viola', referring to the purple flower. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, especially after the flower gained symbolic significance representing modesty and virtue. It has also been used as a poetic name for
Cultural significance
Violet has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #36 in 2019 — currently #16 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Violet?
Violet works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Violet Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Violet Rose
Floral · soft ending
Violet Mae
Sweet · timeless
Violet Claire
French influence · crisp
Violet Jane
Literary · strong
Violet Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Violet right now?
Holding steady — currently #16 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #16 | 6,364 | ▲ up 4 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #20 | 6,471 | ▲ up 16 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #36 | 5,521 | ▲ up 1 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #37 | 5,075 | ▲ up 13 · +5% births |
| 2015 | #50 | 4,813 | ▲ up 73 · +88% births |
| 2010 | #123 | 2,566 | ▲ up 246 · +203% births |
| 2005 | #369 | 846 | ▲ up 364 · +168% births |
| 2000 | #733 | 316 | ▲ up 363 · +95% births |
| 1995 | #1096 | 162 | ▲ up 194 · +29% births |
| 1990 | #1290 | 126 | ▼ down 244 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #1046 | 142 | ▼ down 23 · +1% births |
| 1980 | #1023 | 141 | ▲ up 26 · +25% births |
| 1975 | #1049 | 113 | ▼ down 128 · -19% births |
| 1970 | #921 | 140 | ▼ down 246 · -34% births |
| 1965 | #675 | 212 | — |
The story of Violet
Violet has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #36 in 2019. More than 152,722 babies have been named Violet since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #239 in 1880 to #16 in 2023. Violet is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Violet in 2019:
Violet by decade
Violet peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 879 | |
| 1890s | 3,076 | |
| 1900s | 7,849 | |
| 1910s | 23,203 | |
| 1920s | 30,121 | |
| 1930s | 13,926 | |
| 1940s | 6,575 | |
| 1950s | 4,150 | |
| 1960s | 2,257 | |
| 1970s | 1,244 | |
| 1980s | 1,392 | |
| 1990s | 1,697 | |
| 2000s | 9,801 | |
| 2010s ★ | 41,477 | |
| 2020s | 5,075 | |
What are good nicknames for Violet?
Famous people named Violet
VB
Violet Baudelaire (fictional)
The inventive eldest Baudelaire orphan in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
VA
Violet Affleck
Daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, whose birth helped revive this Victorian name
V(
Violet (colour symbolism)
Purple has symbolized royalty, wisdom, and spirituality across cultures from ancient Egypt to modern psychology
VJ
Violet Jessop
Remarkable Irish-Argentine nurse who survived the sinking of both the Titanic and the Britannic
VC
Violet Crawley (Downton Abbey)
Maggie Smith's iconic Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, delivering some of television's greatest lines
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Violet?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Violet also consider these
How is Violet written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Violet
What does the name Violet mean?
Violet means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Violet?
Violet is currently ranked #16 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 Violet?
Violet originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Violet?
Violet is a two-syllable name pronounced V AY1 AH0 L IH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Violet more of a girl or boy name?
Violet is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.