The name Scarlet is derived from the Old French word escarlate, which means scarlet cloth or red cloth. Scarlet has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, but it gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the United States. Scarlet is associated with the color red, which symbolizes passion, courage, and strength. In literature and pop culture, Scarlet is often used to describe a fiery, fierce, and confident character, such as Scarlett O'Hara from Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone with the Wind. Scarlet is also associated with the biblical story of the scarlet letter, in which the protagonist, Hester Prynne, is forced to wear a scarlet letter A on her chest as punishment for her adultery. In some cultures, scarlet is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. For example, in ancient China, scarlet was considered a sacred color that represented good fortune and prosperity. Scarlet is also associated with the planet Mars, which is often referred to as the Red Planet. The name Scarlet has been used in various forms, such as Scarlett, Scarlette, and Scarla. Scarlet has been a popular name for girls in recent years, and it has also been used as a surname. Scarlet is a versatile name that can be paired with a variety of middle names, such as Scarlet Rose, Scarlet Lily, or Scarlet Grace.

The root form of Scarlet is Scarlet — meaning Scarlet, red.

Scarlet remains a beloved choice, ranking #764 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.