Okay, picture this; you’re curled up on the couch, maybe with a pregnancy pillow wedged awkwardly behind you, scrolling through endless lists of baby names. Sound familiar? The pressure is real, isn’t it? You want something perfect; something that sounds lovely rolling off the tongue, something with meaning, maybe something that just feels right. Ever thought about looking to the rainbow for inspiration? Seriously! Color names can be absolutely stunning, and today we’re going to chat about three gorgeous options for girls; Violet, Scarlett, and Indigo.
Believe it or not, naming your baby after a hue isn’t some trendy new thing; people have been doing it for ages. But these three have a special kind of staying power and charm. They’re familiar enough that people know how to spell them (mostly!), but each has its own distinct personality.
Ready to add some color to your baby name list? Let’s get into it.
Why Pick a Color Name Anyway?
Good question! Why choose a color when there are flower names, virtue names, names from your great-aunt Mildred? Well, color names often hit that sweet spot. They feel connected to nature and the world around us. They’re evocative; you hear “Scarlett” and you instantly picture something vibrant, right?
They can feel classic or modern, depending on the specific shade you pick. Plus, they often sound really beautiful. There’s just something lyrical about them. So, if you want a name that’s instantly understood but still feels fresh and full of life, a color name might be just the ticket.
Sweet and Chic; Violet
First up, let’s talk about Violet. Ah, Violet. Doesn’t it just sound pretty?
This one feels gentle, classic, and oh-so-feminine.
Where Did Violet Come From?
No big surprises here; Violet comes directly from the name of the flower, which itself comes from the Latin word ‘viola’. Simple! And that connection to the delicate purple flower gives the name a lovely, nature-inspired feel.
The color violet sits between blue and purple on the spectrum. Think deep, rich, maybe even a little bit royal. Purple hues have long been linked with luxury, creativity, and even a touch of magic. So, a little Violet might just be your tiny queen or your budding artist.
Is Violet Popular?
Violet has had a fascinating ride on the popularity charts. It was actually quite common way back in the early 1900s. Then it faded a bit for a while, maybe seeming a little old-fashioned, like your grandma’s friend’s name.
But guess what? She’s back! Violet has seen a serious resurgence in the last couple of decades. Parents are falling back in love with its vintage charm and sweet sound. You can definitely look its current ranking up if you’re curious about the exact spot! It’s popular enough that people recognize it, but likely not so common that there will be five Violets in her kindergarten class. It hits a nice balance.
What’s the Vibe of a Violet?
I picture a Violet as sweet, maybe a little thoughtful or observant. She might be quiet sometimes, but with hidden depths. There’s a gentleness there, but also that hint of regal purple; maybe she knows her own mind! It feels classic without being stuffy. Think vintage lace, wildflowers, a secret garden kind of feel.
Nicknames for Violet?
This one has some super cute nickname potential!
1. Vi (Pronounced Vee or Vye)
2. Vivi
3. Lettie
Famous Folks or Characters Named Violet
You might think of Violet Beauregarde from Willy Wonka (okay, maybe not the best association, but memorable!). Or how about the lovely Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess from Downton Abbey? Fierce lady! And Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner chose it for their daughter, giving it a modern Hollywood nod.
Why Pick Violet?
Choose Violet if you love a name that’s:
* Classic and feminine
* Nature-inspired (hello, flowers!)
* Easy to spell and pronounce
* Sweet sounding with cute nicknames
* Popular but not too trendy
It’s a truly lovely option that feels timeless.
Bold and Beautiful; Scarlett
Alright, let’s switch gears to something with a bit more fire; Scarlett!
This name demands attention, doesn’t it? It feels strong, glamorous, and full of passion.
What’s the Story Behind Scarlett?
Scarlett started life as an English surname. It was an occupational name for someone who sold or dealt in ‘scarlet’, a type of luxurious, brightly colored red cloth. So, right from the get-go, it’s linked to that vibrant, eye-catching red hue.
The color scarlet is a brilliant red, sometimes leaning slightly towards orange. Think passion, energy, confidence, maybe even a touch of drama (in a good way!). It’s a color that doesn’t hide.
How Popular is Scarlett?
Oh, Scarlett is definitely a popular girl these days. Its rise has been pretty dramatic! Of course, you can’t talk about Scarlett without mentioning Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind. That character, flawed as she was, really put the name on the map with her fiery spirit.
More recently, the super talented actress Scarlett Johansson has kept the name firmly in the spotlight. It climbed the charts steadily through the 2000s and has remained a favorite. It’s a name people know and generally love. You’ll definitely want to check its current standing out, but expect it to be pretty high up there.
What’s the Vibe of a Scarlett?
Scarlett feels confident, maybe a little sassy, definitely not shy! She’s the leading lady in her own story. There’s a strength and resilience associated with it, perhaps thanks to Ms. O’Hara. It feels glamorous, energetic, and bold. If you picture a daughter who lights up a room and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, Scarlett could be a perfect fit.
Nicknames for Scarlett?
Scarlett offers a few options:
1. Scar (A bit edgy, maybe?)
2. Scarly / Scarley
3. Lettie (Yep, overlaps with Violet!)
Famous Scarletts
We’ve mentioned the big two; Scarlett O’Hara (fictional but iconic) and Scarlett Johansson (very real and very famous). These two figures really define the name’s modern image; strong, captivating women.
Why Pick Scarlett?
Go for Scarlett if you’re looking for a name that’s:
* Bold and confident
* Glamorous and energetic
* Widely recognized and loved
* Strong sounding
* Has literary and Hollywood connections
It’s a showstopper of a name, perfect for a girl with a big personality.
Cool and Unique; Indigo
Now for our final color; something a bit more off the beaten path. Let’s talk about Indigo.
Indigo feels different, doesn’t it? It’s got this cool, artistic, almost mystical vibe.
Indigo’s Origins
The name Indigo refers to the deep blue-purple dye that originally came from the Indigofera plant, native to India. The name itself comes through Greek and Latin, essentially meaning “Indian dye”.
The color indigo is that gorgeous shade deep in the rainbow, nestled between blue and violet. Think of a midnight sky just before dawn, or the deep ocean. It’s associated with intuition, perception, spirituality, and creativity. It feels deep and thoughtful.
Is Indigo Popular?
Compared to Violet and Scarlett, Indigo is much less common. It’s definitely more unique. While it’s been used as a name for a while, it’s floated more under the radar. It often gets classified as a unisex name, though lately, it seems to be leaning slightly more towards girls.
Its popularity has seen some gentle waves, often associated with bohemian or artistic types. If you look its ranking up, you’ll likely find it much lower down the charts than the other two. This could be a huge plus if you’re looking for something distinctive!
What’s the Vibe of an Indigo?
Indigo feels cool, calm, and collected, but with an artistic or spiritual side. Maybe a free spirit? Someone creative, intuitive, and perhaps a little unconventional. It doesn’t shout like Scarlett; it murmurs intriguing secrets. Think deep conversations, unique style, maybe a bit of wanderlust. It has a modern, slightly edgy feel without being harsh.
Nicknames for Indigo?
This one’s fun for nicknames:
1. Indi / Indy (Super cute and spunky!)
2. Go / Go-Go (A bit more unusual, but why not?)
Famous Indigos?
You might immediately think of the Indigo Girls, the wonderful folk-rock duo. While that’s a band name, it certainly helped bring the word into more common use. Finding famous individuals named Indigo is a bit harder, which just highlights its unique status. Lou Diamond Phillips has a daughter named Indigo.
Why Pick Indigo?
Indigo might be your perfect choice if you want a name that’s:
* Unique and distinctive
* Cool and artistic
* Nature-connected (dye, color)
* Spiritual or intuitive feeling
* Gender-neutral potential (though trends female)
* Has great nickname options (Indi!)
It’s a beautiful, evocative name for parents seeking something less common but still meaningful.
Violet vs. Scarlett vs. Indigo; How Do You Choose?
Okay, so we have three gorgeous color names. How on earth do you pick the one?
Think about the feeling you want the name to evoke.
- Violet: Is sweet, classic, gentle, floral, and popular but not everywhere. She’s the charming girl next door with a hint of vintage elegance.
- Scarlett: Is bold, confident, glamorous, energetic, and quite popular. She’s the star of the show, full of passion and strength.
- Indigo: Is unique, cool, artistic, intuitive, and less common. She’s the free spirit, marching to the beat of her own drum.
There’s no right or wrong answer, obviously! Maybe one just clicks with you more than the others. Say them out loud. Say them with your last name. Imagine calling your little Violet in for dinner, or cheering on Scarlett at her soccer game, or reading a bedtime story to Indigo. Which one feels most natural?
Think about middle names too. A classic like Violet might pair beautifully with a more modern middle name, or vice versa. Scarlett’s boldness could be balanced by a softer middle name. Indigo’s uniqueness might shine next to a simple, traditional middle name. Play around with combinations! You need to try some pairings out loud.
A Few Last Thoughts on Color Names
Before you rush off to paint the nursery Violet, Scarlett, or Indigo, just a couple more things to mull over.
- Say It Loud, Say It Proud: Make sure you love how the name sounds. Not just in your head, but actually spoken. Does it flow well with your surname? Is it easy for you to say repeatedly? Because trust me, you’ll be saying it A LOT.
- Potential Quirks? Honestly, these three are pretty straightforward. Violet might occasionally get “Shrinking Violet” but it feels pretty dated. Scarlett… maybe the ‘Scar’ part if kids are determined, but it seems unlikely to be a major issue. Indigo is perhaps the least prone to teasing. Just something to briefly consider.
- Your Personal Connection: Do you adore the color purple? Does fiery red speak to your soul? Is deep blue your happy place? Sometimes a personal connection to the color itself can seal the deal. It adds another layer of meaning just for you and your family.
Choosing a name is such a personal thing. It’s exciting, maybe a little terrifying, but ultimately so rewarding when you find that perfect fit. Whether you go for the gentle grace of Violet, the fiery confidence of Scarlett, or the cool uniqueness of Indigo, you’re choosing a beautiful, vibrant name for your daughter.
Trust your gut feeling. Mull your favorites over. Say them to your belly. You’ll figure the right one out. Happy naming, mama! You’ve got this.