Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Scarlet
GirlEnglish, French· “bright red”
- Meaning
- bright red
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- SKAHR-luht
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #510
- US babies 2025
- 581
- Best rank
- #370 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Scarlet
Scarlet is an English and French name that means “bright red”.
Scarlet is a color word with an interesting history. In medieval English it first named a fine, costly cloth, often dyed red, and the word came through Old French from earlier sources. Over time it came to mean the vivid red color itself. As a given name it gained strength from Scarlett O'Hara, the heroine of Gone with the Wind, although this single-t spelling follows the dictionary word. Will Scarlet, one of Robin Hood's companions in the old ballads, adds another echo. Today Scarlet feels bold and vibrant. It is easy to spell and needs no nickname, though Letty is a sweet option.
Popularity over time
Scarlet first appears in US Social Security records in 1939. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 2006. Its best national rank was #370 in 2013, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 870 were named Scarlet. In 2025, 581 babies were named Scarlet, and it ranked #510 nationally. That is 33% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,570 in 1950, #2,120 in 1980, #1,756 in 2000, #414 in 2010, and #510 in 2025. Of the 17,709 US girls named Scarlet since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,985 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Miracle, Mckinley, Averie, Skye, and Kennedi.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Scarlet ranked highest in Nevada, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #261 | 11 |
| Kentucky | #273 | 17 |
| Wisconsin | #361 | 15 |
| Oregon | #388 | 10 |
| California | #423 | 80 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Scarlet is usually pronounced SKAHR-luht, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with S and ends in “-et”.
Middle names for Scarlet
A few middle names that flow with Scarlet: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Scarlet
Similar names
Scarlett Girl
SKAR-liht
“red; seller of scarlet cloth” · English
#32
Scarlette Girl
SKAHR-luht
“bright red” · English
#1,180
Arlet Girl
AR-let
“variant of Arlette” · French
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Parker Unisex
PAHR-kur
“park keeper” · English
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Taylor Girl
TAY-lur
“tailor” · English
#403
Violet Girl
VY-uh-liht
“violet flower” · English
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Bailey Girl
BAY-lee
“bailiff; from a surname” · English
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Journey Girl
JUR-nee
“a trip, a day's travel” · English
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Chandler Unisex
CHAND-lur
“candle maker” · English
#753
Macy Girl
MAY-see
“from a French place name” · English
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Saylor Girl
SAY-lur
“sailor; possibly 'dancer'” · English
#217
Macie Girl
MAY-see
“variant of Macy, a surname” · English
#438
Lists that include Scarlet
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Scarlet mean?
Scarlet is an English and French name that means “bright red”.
What is the origin of the name Scarlet?
Scarlet has English and French roots. Scarlet is a color word with an interesting history.
Is Scarlet a popular name?
Yes. Scarlet ranked #510 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Scarlet a boy or girl name?
Scarlet is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Scarlet?
Scarlet is usually pronounced SKAHR-luht. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings