Girls · #13 in 2025

Violet: Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Origin
English flower name
Meaning
Violet flower; associated with the color
Pronunciation
VY-let, VY-uh-let
Nickname options
Vy, Lettie

Origin and meaning

Violet comes from the English flower name, ultimately from Latin viola. The color association belongs to the same word family. It is a botanical choice with an established history as a given name, rather than a newly invented floral combination.

U.S. popularity

Violet ranked #13 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 7,546 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #13, reached in 2025. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.

Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.

The Hello Baby Names take

Violet has a lovely tension between delicate imagery and a crisp sound. The V and final T give it more definition than many flowing flower names. It works especially well for parents who want romantic style with a little sharpness.

Things to consider

Some speakers compress Violet toward two syllables, while others use three. Test the pronounciation the people around you are inclined to use - if you and your partner say "VI-let, will it drive you nuts if grandma and grandpa are more inclined to say VY-uh-let?p>

If you love Violet, consider…

  • Iris: Another flower name with a crisp ending.
  • Hazel: Trades petals for a warmer woodland mood.
  • Ruby: Keeps the rich color and vintage energy.
  • Ivy: Offers a shorter botanical option.
  • Scarlett: Turns up the color and dramatic sound.
  • Lillian: Softens the floral style into a longer classic.
  • Clara: Keeps the vintage feeling without botanical imagery.
  • Juniper: Adds a more playful, outdoorsy rhythm.