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Meaning & History of the name Scarlett

The name ‘Scarlett’ has a rich and colorful story. It’s sorta fancy. But why is it so popular? We’ll learn about its history, meaning, and more. Let’s check out the layers of this intriguing name together ⬇️

Origins & Meaning ️

The name ‘Scarlett’ comes from an occupation surname that referred to someone who sold luxurious wool cloth, specifically dyed red with a substance called kermes. This vibrant red dye, known as scarlet, gave the name its vivid hue and significance. In Medieval Europe, the name was associated with luxury and high status due to the rarity and expense of the cloth. Many of us might not realize that ‘Scarlett’ initially denoted opulence and distinction in society.

Historically, ‘Scarlett’ has evolved from being merely a trade-related term to a given name that conveys strength and vibrancy. The name gained widespread popularity after the release of the movie Gone With the Wind in 1939, where Scarlett O’Hara captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Here are some facts and history facts.

  • The name ‘Scarlett’ originally referred to sellers of scarlet cloth in Medieval Europe.
  • It became a given name in the English-speaking world after the success of the novel and film Gone With the Wind.
  • The red dye ‘kermes’ used to make scarlet cloth comes from the Arabic word siklāt.
  • Scarlett has been a top choice for baby girls’ names since the early 2000s.
  • The name reflects a sense of elegance and boldness due to its association with the vivid color red.

‘Scarlett’ is pronounced as “SKAHR-let” in English, but variations exist in other languages. For example, in Spanish, it might be pronounced as “es-KAR-let,” while in French, it could sound like “skar-LET.”

People often think the name ‘Scarlett’ is classic and strong. I personally like it because it feels both elegant and bold.

History & Evolution

The name ‘Scarlett’ holds importance due to its unique origin and transformation over centuries. It began as a surname associated with the sale of luxurious wool cloth in Medieval Europe. This cloth, dyed using kermes, was highly valued and linked to wealth and prestige. Historical figures who bore the name contributed to its initial popularity; for instance, Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind gave it a dramatic flair.

Religious and mythological influences have also played a role in shaping the name’s significance. Short sentence here. Various cultures have adopted the name, creating numerous forms while maintaining its essence across continents. For example, in Spain, it’s common to see ‘Scarlett’ written as ‘Escarlata’. And, in France, the name can be found as ‘Scarlette’, reflecting regional linguistic nuances. Most people don’t realize how much the name has traveled around the globe.

Today, ‘Scarlett’ has modern-day relevance, symbolizing sophistication and a touch of rebellious spirit, though it’s sometimes mispronounced or spelled differently depending on cultural context.

Popularity

Scarlett is everywhere. The name’s popularity soared after the release of Gone With the Wind in 1939 and has continued to rise. Below are a few famous people with the name Scarlett:

  • Scarlett Johansson: Acclaimed actress known for her roles in Lost in Translation and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
  • Scarlett Byrne: Actress recognized for her role in Harry Potter series and The Vampire Diaries.
  • Scarlett Thomas: British author known for her novels The End of Mr. Y and Our Tragic Universe.

Scarlett has appeared in various forms of media, shaping its perception over time. For instance, the character Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind brought the name into the limelight, depicting a strong-willed and complex woman. In the TV show Nashville, Scarlett O’Connor adds a modern touch to the name, showcasing its adaptability and contemporary appeal. These characters have influenced how we view the name, associating it with traits of resilience and passion.

The internet seems to think ‘Scarlett’ is a timeless and elegant name.

Related Names

Here are related names. Check these out.

  • Equivalents: Escarlata (Spanish), Scarlatta (Italian), etc
  • Variants: Scarlette (French), Scarletta (Modern), etc
  • Diminutives: Lettie (English), Carlie (English), etc
  • ‍ Feminine Forms: Charlotte (English), Carlota (Spanish), etc
  • Other Languages & Cultures: Szkarłatna (Polish), Escarlate (Portuguese), etc

Many cultures celebrate name days, and ‘Scarlett’ is often honored on June 29th, the Feast of Saints Peter and Scarlett, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Fun fact: The name ‘Scarlett’ has a numerological value of 3, symbolizing creativity and communication, but its astrological connection lies with the planet Mars, embodying energy and determination.


If you’re thinking about naming your child Scarlett, consider its elegance and timeless charm. However, it may be seen as too dramatic by some, and there’s always the chance of it being misspelled or mispronounced.

Share your thoughts and any additional Scarletts you know in the comments section.