Scarlet

Origin

From Old French 'escarlate', derived from Medieval Latin 'scarlata', which traces back to the Latin 'cardinalis' meaning 'cardinal' or 'crimson'. The term entered English via Old French to describe a bright red colour. It is predominantly a colour name in modern usage.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'Crimson' or 'bright red'. In Australian English contexts, 'scarlet' is associated with vibrancy, passion, and visibility. It is often used poetically or descriptively for something strikingly red or bold.

Pronunciation

/ˈskɑːlɪt/ (Australian English, with the emphasis on the first syllable, 'SKA-lit') elucidates its pronunciation, highlighting the 'a' as in 'father' and the final 't' clearly enunciated.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 23 November (Feast of Saint Clement, associated with the colour scarlet in liturgical vestments)
• 26 July (Feast of Saint Anne de Beaupré, sometimes associated with the Virgin Mary wearing scarlet robes)
• 20 November (Queen Victoria's birthday, historically marked with symbolic colours including scarlet)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with scarlet:

• Rosemary and Scarlet
• Jasmine and Scarlet
• Lily and Scarlet

Fun Facts

• The colour scarlet gets its name from the bright red dye originally made from the dried bodies of the kermes insect, used in England and parts of Australia in historic textiles.
• Scarlet is associated with the uniforms of certain Australian ceremonial military and police units.
• The term 'scarlet woman' historically referred to a woman of questionable morality, reflecting the colour's boldness.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name scarlet:

• Vibrant
• Boldness
• Passionate
• Creative
• Expressive

Aesthetic Qualities

Visually striking due to its association with a vivid, rich red colour; the name's spelling complements its bold visual identity, popular in branding and artistic design in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly used in urban Australian settings like Sydney and Melbourne, less prevalent in rural areas but recognised nationally due to cultural and artistic associations.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9 (if applying Pythagorean numerology), associated with universal love, kindness, and humanitarianism—qualities often linked with the passionate connotations of scarlet.

Astrological Connections

No direct astrological associations, but the colour scarlet is linked with Mars (assertiveness, energy) in occult symbolism, which can be reflected in personality traits linked to the name.

Historical Context

The name gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially influenced by the colour's use in fashion, literature, and heraldry. 'Scarlet' is also used in Australian literature and pop culture to evoke boldness and vibrancy. Notable Australian uses include references in poetry and local art scenes.

Linguistic Adaptability

In languages with Latin roots, similar forms include 'scarlatto' (Italian), 'carmin' (French), and 'carácter rojo' in Spanish. Variants are adapted to local phonetics, e.g., 'Escarlata' in Spanish-speaking contexts.

Famous People Named scarlet

• Scarlet Heard (Australian actress)
• Scarlet Squance (Australian artist)
• Scarlet Cain (fictional character in Australian literature)

Popularity in Australia