The name Violet is a girl’s name that comes from the flower of the same name. Violets have been around for centuries and have rich symbolic meaning in mythology and folklore. The colorful petite flower connotes delicacy and femininity. As a name, Violet has been popular for over a century, with its usage peaking at the turn of the 20th century. Recently, the name has seen a resurgence in popularity, being chosen by celebrity parents and appearing in popular media. The name’s classic elegance, botanical roots, and rich history make it an intriguing choice.
Meaning and Origins
Violet is directly derived from the name of the violet flower. Violets are a genus of small purple, blue, or white flowers that have existed for centuries. The flower name Viola originates from the Latin word “viola” meaning “violet flower.” As a color name, violet has origins in the early 19th century, derived from the name of the flower. So the name Violet has direct connections to the colorful bloom.
Beyond the flower, the color purple has long been associated with royalty, refinement and creativity. The dye used to create the color purple was extremely rare and expensive in ancient times, making purple robes a status symbol among nobility. Cleopatra, emperors and kings were among the few who could afford the coveted color. This regal association is fitting for the elegant, soft sounding name Violet.
The name Violet emerged as a given name in Britain in the 19th century. However, Violet and Viola have rich histories as names long before then. Violet derives from the Greek name Ione, which has links to Greek mythology through the purple hyacinth flower. In Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night, Viola is the main female protagonist. So while Violet rose to popularity in the 1800s, its roots stretch back centuries through flower lore and classic literature.
Popularity
Violet has been well-used as a given name for over a century. It first entered the top 1000 American baby names in 1880, the first year the Social Security Administration has on record. The name quickly gained favor and reached its height of popularity in 1915 ranked at #24 for girls’ names.
The name maintained strong usage through the 1940s, then slowly declined in popularity over the mid-20th century. In the 1970s and 80s, Violet dipped to its lowest rank of #665 in 1981. However, the charming and quaint name began rising again in the 1990s.
Recently Violet has surged to become a top 100 name again as of 2013. As of 2020, it now ranks as the #47 girls’ name in the United States. Violet exhibits a vintage name appeal while feeling fresh and distinctive compared to more common names like Olivia or Sophia in the top 10.
The boost in usage is seen internationally as well. Violet ranks #19 in Canada, #5 in Scotland, #4 in Ireland, and #2 in Northern Ireland showing its widespread popularity. The floral name lends a soft, whimsical flair to a classically elegant name.
Meaning and Symbolism
So what exactly does the name Violet mean and represent? As a flower, violets have rich symbolic meaning in myths, legends and folklore. Here are some of the notable symbolic associations of the color purple and violets:
– Love and Faithfulness – In Greek mythology, violets are said to have originated from the death of Attis. They symbolized his spiritual love for the goddess Cybele. Violets also represented faithfulness in Ancient Rome, where brides wore violets to symbolize their commitment.
– Humility – The story goes that violets first bloomed when Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus. Their low-growing habits and nodding flowers signify humility. During the Middle Ages, Christians sometimes wore violets to show humility.
– Death and Mourning – European Folklore has strong associations between violets and death. This could originate from the flowers blooming in early spring over the ground of the dead from winter. Violets are said to bloom over gravesites and foretell death.
– Lesbian Love – In 20th century culture, violets and the color purple were associated with homosexuality in women. Code words like “Sapphic” and “violet ladies” were discreet ways to reference lesbianism. The term “lavender” is sometimes still used to describe bisexual or lesbian women.
– Creativity and Imagination – Purple is considered the most creatively inspiring color. It’s associated with imagination, spirituality and the arts. Think of purple lining a gypsy’s headscarf, the rich purple plumage of peacocks, or the soft haze of lavender fields.
So while Violet has its share of somber associations, the spring blooms predominantly represent delicate beauty, love and femininity. The color purple connotes richness, depth, mysticism and royalty. As a name, Violet evokes the daintiness of the flower along with the richness of purple’s symbolism.
Personality Traits
Does a name influence the personality of the person? Possibly! Names can shape our identities and how we are perceived. What traits and characteristics are associated with the name Violet?
– Kindness – Violet’s soft, graceful imagery lend to a kind aura. Violets represent humility, which is strongly intertwined with kindness. Violet is likely an empathetic, sensitive soul who thinks of others first.
– Creativity – The color purple is linked to creative energy, spirit and imagination. As a Violet, she likely has a powerful creative streak, whether artistically, musically or as an outside-the-box thinker. Her innovations make the world more beautiful.
– Old Soul – As a literary name dating back centuries, Violet has an aura of an old soul. She is wise beyond her years. Violets blooming over graves symbolize death and rebirth. Therefore, Violet has been through many life cycles and has inner maturity.
– Independence – As wild violets bloom on the open prairie, Violet has an independent spirit. She values her freedom, follows her own path, and doesn’t bend to social pressures. She sets trends rather than follows them.
– Loyal – The faithfulness that violets represent translates to Violet being steadfast and loyal. She stands firmly by her values, friends, and loved ones. Her commitments run deep and she believes loyalty is life’s greatest blessing.
So in essence, Violet’s tend to be kindhearted creatives with magnetic energy. Many Violets do march to the beat of their own drums and channel their imagination in impactful ways. But overall, Violet exudes both tenderness and strength through her graceful fortitude.
Pop Culture
The name Violet has blossomed in movies, books, and songs over the past couple decades. Here are some of the notable appearances that have kept Violet in the cultural conversation:
– Violet Baudelaire in A Series of Unfortunate Events – The movie and book series follows the adventures of Violet, her siblings, and their counterculture appeal.
– The Incredibles – Violet Parr is a shy teenage superhero in the Pixar film with the power to turn invisible and create forcefields.
– Violet Harvery in Private Practice – The main character Charlotte’s adopted daughter in the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff show.
– “Violet Hill” – Song by Coldplay on their 2008 album Viva La Vida.
– Violet Clark from the vampire film Jennifer’s Body – Played by actress Megan Fox.
– American Horror Story- Violet Harmon is a key troubled teen character in the first season, Murder House.
The name has appeared in video games too like Animal Crossing and Pokémon. Violet’s visibility in arts and culture has kept in a fresh spot in parents’ minds. The heroines showcase Violet’s complex dimensions from her strengths to vulnerabilities.
Celebrity Babies
Many celebrity parents have chosen the graceful Violet for their baby girls recently:
– Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner named their daughter Violet in 2005. She was one of the first celebrity babies to bring Violet back to public consciousness.
– Christina Milian welcomed daughter Violet Madison in 2010 with producer The-Dream.
– Jennifer Love Hewitt used Violet for her daughter in 2015.
– Sara Gilbert, best known for Roseanne, chose the name for her daughter Sawyer Violet who was born in 2015.
– Hamish Blake, Australian comedian named his first daughter Violet in 2016.
– Rosie O’Donnell has a daughter Violet who was adopted in 2013.
– Tina Fey’s second daughter is named Alice Zenobia Richmond, nicknamed Violet.
– Sara Foster, actress and entrepreneur, has a daughter named Violet who was born in 2012.
– Other celebrity parents include: Todd Phillips, director; Rob Schneider, actor; and cheese magnate, James Leprino.
Like these famous parents, everyday moms and dads are being drawn to Violet and its vintage charm. The fashionable name allows creativity in nicknames like Lettie while giving a nod to historic femininity.
Sibling Names
If Violet is a top contender for your baby girl, here are some complementary first names to consider for siblings:
| Sister Names | Brother Names |
|---|---|
| Alice | Benjamin |
| Clara | Elliot |
| Daisy | Frederick |
| Eloise | Henry |
| Flora | Jude |
| Juliet | Leo |
| Ruby | Oscar |
| Willow | Sebastian |
| Madeline | William |
Violet pairs nicely with feminine botanical names like Daisy, Flora, and Poppy. For sisters, Violet and Alice make a sweet classic combo. Brother names that match Violet’s vintage style include Theodore, Oliver, Arlo, and Felix.
Nature inspired names that work well include Wren, Briar, and Rowan for a brother and Ivy, Hazel, Aurelia, and Lily as sister pairings.
Conclusion
Violet is a timeless choice with over a century of history and a recent revival. While rooted in dainty blooms, Violet has depth from its color symbolism and literary appearances. The name conjures images of translucence and imagination.
Violets represent humility despite their royal color associations. Ultimately, the darling buds signify affection. The floral name brings to mind sweetness yet strength of character.
In essence, Violet is an enchanting, evocative name for a demure yet creative soul. Its melodic rhythm and depth of meaning give this classic name renewed life. Violet’s story is one of the hidden gems rising from the garden to claim its place among the flowers.
