"violet color, purple"
Origin: Latin
Language: French
Violet
Pronunciation: [ v-EYE-uhl-iht ]
Does Violet flow with your last name?
A Victorian bloom blooming again
English
American
French
Vintage
Elegant
Whimsical
Literary
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"purple, violet color"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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The Story of Violet
Violet comes from the Latin viola, the name of the purple flower, which itself may be related to an ancient pre-Latin Mediterranean word. The violet flower has been cultivated since antiquity and symbolized modesty and faithfulness in medieval Europe. As a given name, Violet appeared in English-speaking countries in the 19th century as part of the Victorian fashion for flower names.
Violet was popular in the early 1900s, faded for decades, then experienced a dramatic revival starting in the 2000s. Celebrity parents Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner naming their daughter Violet in 2005 helped spark interest, and The Incredibles' Violet Parr gave the name a heroic, modern association the same year.
In the Victorian language of flowers, violets symbolized faithfulness and modesty. Violet was also the name of a color before it became widely used as a given name. The color violet represents the highest frequency of visible light and features in the rainbow's final band.
Historical Record
Violet first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 92,579 babies have been named Violet in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Violet is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #15 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Violet was among the most popular flower names in Victorian England
- Napoleon Bonaparte was nicknamed Corporal Violet by his supporters
- Violet Parr from The Incredibles was one of Pixar's earliest female superhero protagonists
Violet in Other Languages
French
Violette
German
Violet
Italian
Violetta
Russian
Виолетта
Spanish
Violeta
Portuguese
Violeta
Popularity Over Time
#15
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Violet
V
Violet Davis
Other
2011
Celebrity child, daughter of actor Viola Davis
V
Violet Affleck
Other
2005
Daughter of actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, whose birth helped spark the modern Violet revival
V
Violet Bonham Carter
Actor
1987
British actress known for The Crown and Good Omens
V
Violet Jessop
Other
1887
Argentine-British ocean liner stewardess and nurse who survived the sinkings of the Titanic and Britannic
V
Violet Crawley Fictional
Other
The formidable Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey, played by Maggie Smith
V
Violet Parr Fictional
Other
Teenage superhero with force field and invisibility powers in Pixar's The Incredibles
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Compare Violet with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #15
- Total SSA Count
- 6,972
- Cultural Origins
- English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Vi
Lettie
Vivi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Violet
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Violet is also used as a boy name, ranked #42345.
View Violet as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Violet →Compare Violet with...
Same Origin Names (English)
See all English names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Violet
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"wren bird clearing"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Violet
What does the name Violet mean?
"violet color, purple" (from Latin). "purple, violet color" (from Latin). Violet comes from the Latin viola, the name of the purple flower, which itself may be related to an ancient pre-Latin Mediterranean word. The violet flower has been cultivated since antiquity and symbolized modesty and faithfulness in medieval Europe. As a given name, Violet appeared in English-speaking countries in the 19th century as part of the Victorian fashion for flower names.
What is the origin of the name Violet?
Violet has Latin, English, American, and French origins. In Latin, it means "violet color, purple". In Latin, it means "purple, violet color".
Is Violet a boy or girl name?
Violet is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #15. As a boy name, it is ranked #42345. Violet is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Violet?
Violet is pronounced v-EYE-uhl-iht.
How popular is the name Violet?
Violet is currently ranked #15 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Violet?
Common nicknames for Violet include Lettie and Vivi.
What are good middle names for Violet?
Popular middle name pairings include Violet Mae, Violet Jane, Violet Rose, Violet Claire, Violet Anne, Violet Grace, and Violet Skye.
What are good sibling names for Violet?
Names that pair well with Violet as siblings include Jasper, Iris, Hazel, Felix, Scarlett, Oliver, and Pearl.
How many syllables does Violet have?
Violet has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Violet a common or rare name?
Violet is a very popular name, ranked #15 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Violet?
About the Name Violet
Violet is a girl name with English, American, and French origins . The name means "violet color, purple" in Latin .
Is Violet a boy or girl name? Violet is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #15 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #42,345. Violet is more commonly used as a girl name.
Violet is currently ranked #15 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Violet has 3 syllables and is pronounced v-EYE-uhl-iht, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Violet include Vi, Lettie, and Vivi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Violet include Violeta, Violette, Viola, Violetta, Violett . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis