Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Scarlett
GirlEnglish, French· “red; seller of scarlet cloth”
- Meaning
- red; seller of scarlet cloth
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- SKAR-liht
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #32
- US babies 2025
- 5,644
- Best rank
- #14 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Scarlett
Scarlett is an English and French name that means “red; seller of scarlet cloth”.
Scarlett began as an English surname for someone who made or sold scarlet, a costly fine cloth in medieval Europe, often dyed a rich red. The word reached English through Old French escarlate. As a first name it owes much to Scarlett O'Hara, the headstrong heroine of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. Today Scarlett feels glamorous and spirited, with a vivid color built into its sound. Some families choose it for its link to red, others for its old-Hollywood polish. Scarlet with one t is also used.
Popularity over time
Scarlett first appears in US Social Security records in 1937. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 40 different years, starting in 1940. Its best national rank was #14 in 2022, and the most babies received it in 2017, when 7,721 were named Scarlett. In 2025, 5,644 babies were named Scarlett, and it ranked #32 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,232 in 1950, #1,130 in 1980, #942 in 2000, #115 in 2010, and #32 in 2025. Of the 111,687 US girls named Scarlett since records began, 52% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 38,284 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aria, Mila, Claire, Stella, and Harper.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Scarlett ranked highest in Wyoming, Ohio, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | #12 | 13 |
| Ohio | #18 | 251 |
| Kentucky | #19 | 103 |
| West Virginia | #20 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | #20 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Scarlett is usually pronounced SKAR-liht, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with S and ends in “-tt”.
Middle names for Scarlett
A few middle names that flow with Scarlett: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Scarlett
Similar names
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Lists that include Scarlett
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Scarlett mean?
Scarlett is an English and French name that means “red; seller of scarlet cloth”.
What is the origin of the name Scarlett?
Scarlett has English and French roots. Scarlett began as an English surname for someone who made or sold scarlet, a costly fine cloth in medieval Europe, often dyed a rich red.
Is Scarlett a popular name?
Yes. Scarlett ranked #32 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Scarlett a boy or girl name?
Scarlett is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Scarlett?
Scarlett is usually pronounced SKAR-liht. 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