Skarlet

Meaning & origin

Skarlet is a modern respelling of the classic color name Scarlet, first recorded in U.S. data in 2002. Its popularity rose sharply in the early 2000s, peaking in 2011, and has since shown consistent but moderate use. With a rank of 5099 in 2025, the name remains relatively uncommon, with about 1 in every 64,291 girls receiving it. The trajectory has been rising since 2005, suggesting a slow but steady appeal. Skarlet's spelling deviates from the more traditional Scarlet and Scarlett, adding a distinctive edge that fits with contemporary 'k'-heavy names like Skyler and Kaylee. Though not historically widespread, Skarlet has found a niche among parents seeking a bold, color-inspired name with a modern twist.

Skarlet is a respelling of the English color name Scarlet, which derives from the Old French escarlate, ultimately from Medieval Latin scarlatum, referring to a type of fine cloth. The name Scarlet entered use as a given name in the late 20th century, often associated with the memorable character Scarlet O'Hara in Margaret Mitchell's 1939 novel 'Gone with the Wind.' Skarlet is a modern stylistic variant, likely influenced by names like Skyler or the 'k' spelling trend of the early 2000s.