S
Feminine
English
Meaning & History
Scarlette is a rare spelling variant of the name Scarlett, an English first name that has gained popularity in recent decades. Both names ultimately derive from an English surname referring to a person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet, a type of fine cloth. The etymology of the word 'scarlet' itself is believed to trace back to Persian saqrelāṭ.
The root name Scarlett was catapulted into popular consciousness by Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind, in which the fiery protagonist Scarlett O'Hara bears the name, said to have come from her grandmother. While the novel and its 1939 film adaptation were cultural phenomena, the name did not become widespread until the early 21st century. Its rise began around 2003, coinciding with the emergence of actress Scarlett Johansson (born 1984), whose career took off in the 2000s. This association with a glamorous movie star significantly boosted the name's popularity.
Though less common than the standard Scarlett (or the simplified Scarlet), the spelling 'Scarlette' endured as a distinctive alternative. Despite its similarity to the longer Scarlett, Scarlette has been in occasional use for girls in English-speaking countries, particularly among parents seeking a less common iteration of a popular name. The name evokes imagery of the vibrant red color, symbolizing passion and boldness.
The root name Scarlett was catapulted into popular consciousness by Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind, in which the fiery protagonist Scarlett O'Hara bears the name, said to have come from her grandmother. While the novel and its 1939 film adaptation were cultural phenomena, the name did not become widespread until the early 21st century. Its rise began around 2003, coinciding with the emergence of actress Scarlett Johansson (born 1984), whose career took off in the 2000s. This association with a glamorous movie star significantly boosted the name's popularity.
Though less common than the standard Scarlett (or the simplified Scarlet), the spelling 'Scarlette' endured as a distinctive alternative. Despite its similarity to the longer Scarlett, Scarlette has been in occasional use for girls in English-speaking countries, particularly among parents seeking a less common iteration of a popular name. The name evokes imagery of the vibrant red color, symbolizing passion and boldness.
Cultural Significance
In contemporary naming culture, Scarlett and its variants resonate with a sense of strength and sophistication, partly due to their literary and cinematic heritage. The enduring appeal of Gone with the Wind maintains Scarlett O'Hara as a cultural archetype, while modern bearers like Scarlett Johansson keep the name in the public eye. As a result, variations such as Scarlette maintain a steady, if niche, presence in baby name registries.Etymology and Variants
The feminine given name Scarlett and its variant Scarlette share roots with the surname of occupational origin. Other related forms include the simple 'Scarlet', which omits double letters. The spelling Scarlette may enhance the feminine ending or distinguish from common usage.- Meaning: Scarlet cloth, richly colored fabric
- Origin: English surname, ultimately from Persian
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries (especially United States, England, Australia)
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Scarlette