Find out how popular the first name Scarlet has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Scarlet by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Scarlet is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 659 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Scarlet.

The history of the first name Scarlet

The name Scarlet originates from the Old French word 'escarlate', derived from the Latin 'scarlatum'. It referred to a vivid red color obtained from the dried bodies of a type of insect. The name likely emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages, associated with the vibrant textile dye popular at the time.

In English literature, the name Scarlet first appeared in the medieval ballad "The Nut-Brown Maid", written around the 15th century. It described a woman with a "scarlet red" dress, symbolizing her beauty and passion. The name gained further prominence in the 17th century with the publication of Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe", featuring a character named Wilfred of Ivanhoe's love interest, Rebecca the Jewess, who wore a scarlet dress.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Scarlet was Scarlet Benét (1470-1549), a British poet and courtier during the reign of Henry VIII. Another notable figure was Scarlet Anne Spencer (1715-1776), an English aristocrat and great-grandmother of Princess Diana.

In the 19th century, Scarlet Elizabeth Stucley (1815-1897) was a British author and pioneer of women's education. Scarlet Chidgey (1878-1953) was a New Zealand journalist and women's rights activist.

The name also gained recognition in the arts, with Scarlet Johansson (born 1984), an American actress known for her roles in films like "Lost in Translation" and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Throughout history, the name Scarlet has been associated with passion, strength, and vibrancy, reflecting its vivid color origins. Its enduring popularity highlights its appeal as a unique and evocative name choice.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Scarlet was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Scarlet, please contact us.

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