Violet
Female nameLatin
✨ Meaning
Violet comes from the Latin 'viola,' the small early-flowering plant, by way of the Old French diminutive 'violette.' The flower gave its name to the colour rather than the other way round, so the name is botanical first and chromatic second. Violets were associated in classical and medieval writing with modesty, because the flower is small and often hidden among leaves.
🌍 Origin
Violet was used in Scotland from the sixteenth century and became a leading Victorian flower name across Britain and North America. It faded sharply in the middle of the twentieth century and has returned strongly since the 2000s, now standing among the most popular of all the botanical names in English-speaking countries.
📈 Popularity Trend
⭐ Famous People Named Violet
- Violet Jessop
- Violet Trefusis
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Violet mean?
Violet names the small early-flowering plant, from the Latin 'viola' by way of Old French.
Is Violet a colour name or a flower name?
A flower name first. The colour was named after the flower rather than the other way round.
Why is Violet associated with modesty?
Classical and medieval writers used the flower as an emblem of modesty because it is small and often hidden among leaves.