Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Violet
GirlEnglish, Latin· “violet flower”
- Meaning
- violet flower
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- VY-uh-liht
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #13
- US babies 2025
- 7,546
- Best rank
- #13 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Violet
Violet is an English and Latin name that means “violet flower”.
Violet comes from the name of the flower and its color, from the Old French violete, a diminutive of the Latin viola. It has been used as an English given name since at least the Victorian era, part of a wave of flower names that included Lily, Rose and Daisy. Violets were long associated with modesty and faithfulness in English poetry. After a long break, Violet has returned as a vintage revival with a gentle, romantic sound. Vi and Letty are possible nicknames, and Viola and Yolanda are related names from the same flower family.
Popularity over time
Violet has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 124 different years. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #13, and its highest count, 7,546 babies. Use has grown 56% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #77 in 1920, #343 in 1950, #1,025 in 1980, #734 in 2000, #122 in 2010, and #13 in 2025. Of the 185,561 US girls named Violet since records began, 22% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 38,031 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ailany, Aurora, Eliana, Nora, and Ellie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Violet ranked highest in Minnesota, Maine, and New Hampshire.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #3 | 196 |
| Maine | #4 | 44 |
| New Hampshire | #5 | 52 |
| Vermont | #6 | 18 |
| Michigan | #7 | 261 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Violet is usually pronounced VY-uh-liht, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with V and ends in “-et”.
Middle names for Violet
A few middle names that flow with Violet: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Violet
Similar names
Ivory Girl
EYE-vur-ee
“ivory, the creamy-white material” · English
#378
Lily Girl
LIH-lee
“lily flower” · English
#18
Juliet Girl
JOO-lee-eht
“youthful; from the Roman name Julius” · English
#274
Juniper Girl
JOO-nih-pur
“juniper shrub” · English
#100
Scarlet Girl
SKAHR-luht
“bright red” · English
#510
Emily Girl
EH-muh-lee
“rival, striving” · Latin
#34
Ruby Girl
ROO-bee
“red gemstone” · Latin
#64
Trinity Girl
TRIH-nih-tee
“threefold; the Holy Trinity” · English
#428
Destiny Girl
DEHS-tuh-nee
“fate” · English
#635
Annabelle Girl
A-nuh-behl
“lovable; or Anna plus belle” · English
#343
Margaret Girl
MAHR-gur-iht
“pearl” · Greek
#112
Magnolia Girl
mag-NOHL-yuh
“the magnolia flower” · Latin
#124
Lists that include Violet
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Violet mean?
Violet is an English and Latin name that means “violet flower”.
What is the origin of the name Violet?
Violet has English and Latin roots. Violet comes from the name of the flower and its color, from the Old French violete, a diminutive of the Latin viola.
Is Violet a popular name?
Yes. Violet ranked #13 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Violet a boy or girl name?
Violet is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Violet?
Violet is usually pronounced VY-uh-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