Violet is an intriguing name that conjures images of the deep purple flower. While long associated with color, Violet emerged as a given name at the turn of the 20th century. Since then, the name has experienced periods of popularity and rarity. So how common is the name Violet today? Let’s take a closer look at the data.
Quick Answer
Violet was a very popular name in the early 1900s, reaching as high as #24 for girl’s names in 1915. However, the name declined in popularity through most of the 20th century. In the 21st century, Violet has made a resurgence, ranking #50 for girl’s names in 2021. While no longer rare, Violet remains an uncommon name compared to super popular names like Olivia, Emma, and Amelia.
Popularity Over Time
Violet first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1880 at #975. The name quickly gained popularity around the turn of the century, peaking at #24 in 1915. However, Violet fell out of favor through most of the 20th century. By 1961, the name had fallen to #916. Violet reached its lowest point in 2009 at #1,364.
In the 21st century, Violet has made a comeback. The name reentered the top 1,000 in 2003 and the top 100 in 2012. In 2021, Violet ranked #50 nationwide with 7,222 baby girls given the name. That represents a sizable jump from just 578 Violets born in 2000.
| Year | National Rank |
|---|---|
| 1880 | #975 |
| 1900 | #100 |
| 1915 | #24 |
| 1961 | #916 |
| 2009 | #1,364 |
| 2021 | #50 |
The chart shows the rise and fall of Violet’s popularity over 140+ years. The name was rare prior to 1900, extremely popular in 1915, faded by the 1960s, and has rebounded in the 21st century.
Popularity by State
While Violet is not a rare name nationally, its popularity varies quite a bit by state. In 2021, Violet ranked in the top 50 girl’s names in only 14 states. The name was most popular in Vermont at #28. On the other end, Violet did not crack the top 100 in 12 states and ranked lowest in Mississippi at #259.
Here is Violet’s popularity by state in 2021:
| State | National Rank |
|---|---|
| Vermont | #28 |
| Oregon | #29 |
| Montana | #34 |
| Alaska | #35 |
| Wyoming | #38 |
| Wisconsin | #41 |
| Minnesota | #46 |
| Utah | #48 |
| Nebraska | #49 |
| Mississippi | #259 |
Violet remains a relatively rare name throughout much of the South and Midwest. The name is most popular in New England and the Northwest.
International Popularity
Internationally, Violet is much more rare compared to its popularity in the United States. The name did not rank in the top 100 girl’s names in 2020 for England/Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, or New Zealand.
Violet was most popular in England/Wales at #156. The name ranked lowest in Italy at #855. Violet remains an uncommon name choice throughout most of Europe and the English-speaking world.
| Country | 2020 Rank |
|---|---|
| England/Wales | #156 |
| Scotland | #228 |
| Ireland | #246 |
| Northern Ireland | #277 |
| Norway | #320 |
| France | #325 |
| New Zealand | #350 |
| Sweden | #364 |
| Australia | #392 |
| Italy | #855 |
Popularity Over Time Internationally
Digging deeper into the data, we see Violet has made gains in popularity in many countries over the past decade, similar to the trend in the United States. However, Violet remains far more popular in America than elsewhere.
For example, Violet was only the 685th most popular girl’s name in England and Wales in 2011 compared to 156th in 2020. In Australia, Violet jumped from #578 in 2011 to #392 in 2020. And in Norway, Violet climbed from #937 to #320 over the past decade.
While the name is rising in many English-speaking and European countries, the United States remains the one place Violet is most commonly given.
Variations in Spelling
When evaluating the popularity of Violet, it’s important to look at variations in spelling. Some parents opt for alternate spellings like Violette, Violett, Vyiolet, Vyolet, or Violete.
Violet is by far the most common spelling. In 2020, Violet ranked #50 in the United States, while Violette was #2,042. Other alternate spellings all fell outside the top 1,000. This suggests that nearly all usage remains the standard Violet spelling.
That said, some parents do opt for more creative or unique spellings. So Violettte, Violett, and other alternate spellings should be factored into the name’s full popularity.
Popularity Among White vs. African American Babies
There are also notable differences in Violet’s popularity across racial/ethnic groups. Among white babies born in 2020, Violet ranked #46 nationally. However, the name ranked much lower at #156 among African Americans.
This suggests Violet remains a relatively uncommon name choice among African American parents today. The name appears to be rising fast among white Americans, but has yet to gain traction to the same extent among other ethnicities.
| Race/Ethnicity | 2020 Rank |
|---|---|
| White | #46 |
| African American | #156 |
Popularity in Fiction and Film
Fictional characters and entertainment can influence baby name popularity. Violet enjoyed a boost thanks to two prominent fictional characters in the 2000s and 2010s.
In 2005, Violet Baudelaire became the central protagonist in Lemony Snicket’s popular book series “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” This brooding, intelligent, creative orphan likely inspired some parents.
In 2004, Disney introduced Violet Parr in their film “The Incredibles,” focused on a family of superheroes. Violet was depicted as a shy, introverted teenager coming into her powers. She remains one of Disney’s most nuanced and relatable teenage heroines.
Both characters highlighted Violet’s color meaning through their costumes and personalities. They offered positive if flawed portrayals during the name’s resurgence.
Conclusion
While Violet may conjure images of a soft, delicate flower, the name has boldly held its own through decades of highs and lows. In the 21st century Violet has bloomed from rare to rising star across the English-speaking world.
Nationally, Violet remains an uncommon choice compared to the most popular names. But with over 7,000 baby Violets born in 2021, this purple classic is far from the rarity it once was. Expect Violet to keep growing in gardens across America in the years ahead.
Yet internationally, Violet continues to be an uncommon choice rarely found inside the top 100. It’s far more popular in the United States than elsewhere. The name also skews noticeably more white compared to other ethnic groups.
While no longer the violet wallflower, this floral name still brings that touch of soft originality. Violet manages to feel both freshly picked and historically rooted. For parents seeking a name that blooms antique and new, Violet gathers beauty across the generations.
