Scarlett Name Meaning
The name Scarlett means 'one who dyes or sells scarlet cloth' from an English occupational surname. Discover Scarlett's origin, personality, famous Scarletts, and popularity.
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Quick answer
Scarlett comes from an English occupational surname meaning 'one who dyes or sells scarlet cloth,' from the Old French 'escarlate' — originally a luxurious fabric, later the vivid red color. The name carries connotations of passion, boldness, and richness. Popularized by Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind and by actress Scarlett Johansson, it's now a top-20 girls' name.
What Does the Name Scarlett Mean?
Scarlett is a name of richness and fire — born from the medieval cloth trade and forever linked to the vivid red color and the boldness it represents.
Origin and Etymology
English occupational surname: Scarlet — from Old French escarlate
The word escarlate originally referred to a luxurious, finely-woven cloth — a premium textile in medieval Europe. Because this cloth was so often dyed a brilliant red, the word eventually came to mean the color scarlet itself.
As a surname, Scarlet/Scarlett was occupational — it marked someone who dyed, made, or sold scarlet cloth. So the name carries associations of:
- Craft and trade — the skilled textile workers
- Richness — scarlet cloth was costly and prestigious
- The color scarlet — passion, boldness, vitality
Scarlett O’Hara
The name’s transformation from surname to popular first name began with Scarlett O’Hara, the fiery heroine of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind (1936 novel, 1939 film). Headstrong, resilient, and unforgettable, Scarlett O’Hara made the name iconic.
A fun fact: Mitchell originally named the character Pansy — and changed it to Scarlett only just before publication. The name fit the character’s fire far better.
Popularity
Scarlett rose dramatically in the 21st century:
| Year | US Rank |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Off the charts |
| 2000 | ~700 |
| 2010 | ~50 |
| 2024 | Top 20 |
Actress Scarlett Johansson’s rise to fame was a major driver, alongside the broader vintage-glamour name trend.
Personality Associations
- Bold and confident — the fire of the color scarlet
- Glamorous — Hollywood-leading-lady energy
- Strong-willed — Scarlett O’Hara’s determination
- Charismatic — striking, memorable presence
- Independent — a name with self-possession
Famous Scarletts
| Name | Known For |
|---|---|
| Scarlett Johansson | Acclaimed actress |
| Scarlett O’Hara | Heroine of Gone with the Wind |
| Will Scarlet | Member of Robin Hood’s Merry Men (surname origin) |
Nicknames
| Nickname | Style |
|---|---|
| Lettie | Vintage, sweet |
| Scar | Edgy, casual |
| Etta | Charming alternative |
| Lett | Short, modern |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Scarlett mean?
Scarlett means 'one who dyes or sells scarlet cloth' — it began as an occupational surname for someone in the textile/dyeing trade. It comes from Old French 'escarlate,' which originally referred to a costly, finely-woven cloth (often, but not always, red), and later came to mean the vivid red color itself. So the name connects to richness, craft, and the bold color scarlet.
Is Scarlett named after the color?
Indirectly. The surname and the color both come from the same Old French word 'escarlate.' The word first meant a luxurious type of cloth; because that cloth was frequently dyed a brilliant red, 'scarlet' eventually became the name of the color. So the name evokes the color scarlet — passion, boldness, vitality — through its shared root.
What is the personality of someone named Scarlett?
Scarletts are often described as bold, confident, glamorous, and strong-willed. The name's vivid-red associations and its most famous bearers (Scarlett O'Hara, Scarlett Johansson) project passion, determination, and striking presence. Scarletts tend to be seen as charismatic and independent — a name with fire in it.
Who was Scarlett O'Hara?
Scarlett O'Hara is the fiery, determined heroine of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel 'Gone with the Wind' and the 1939 film (played by Vivien Leigh). Headstrong, resilient, and unforgettable, she made the name famous. Mitchell originally named her 'Pansy' but changed it to Scarlett before publication — a fortunate choice that defined the name for generations.
Why is Scarlett popular now?
Scarlett surged in the 2000s and 2010s, reaching the US top 20, driven largely by actress Scarlett Johansson's fame and the broader trend toward bold, vintage-glamour girls' names (like Ruby, Violet, and Vivienne). The name's combination of strength, glamour, and a great nickname (Lettie) keeps it in high demand.