Name of the Day- Violet

Today's baby girl name is Violet.


VIOLET
Gender: Feminine

Usage: English

Pronounced: VIE-lət, VIE-ə-lət

From the English word violet for the purple flower, ultimately derived from Latin viola. It was common in Scotland from the 16th century, and it came into general use as an English given name during the 19th century.

The name Violet first appears on the Social Security List in 1880 at the number 239 spot. Violet Slowly increased in popularity through the last part of the 19th century and into the 20th century. By 1901 Violet was in the top 100 at the number 91 spot. In 1926 Violet was at the number 96 spot and the following year slipped off the top 100 at the number 103 spot. Violet steadily decreased in popularity over the next five decades and in 1972 fell off the list completely, making a quick comeback to the list in 1973 at the number 928 spot and in 1974 at number 944. Violet again fell off the top 100 list in 1975, and didn't make a return until 1981 at number 996 and again in 1982 at number 994, then fell off the list again in 1983. Violet reappears on the list over tens years later at number 904 in 1998, and slowly gained momentum up the list in 2004 at the number 586, and jumped to number 372 the following year in 2005. As of 2010 Violet sits comfortably at the number 123 spot.

I find Violet one of the prettiest flower names for baby girls. It's soft and gentle yet has a great sound and strength to it. I consider Violet to be one of those old classics that are making a comeback lately. I am thrilled to see older names coming back into favor over the last five years or so. I think a great old classic is much more supstantial than some of the new-age sounding made-up or trendy names out there. Violet is a name that a little girl wears well, and one that grows up lovely with a child into adulthood. Unlike some of the more trendy -ee- ending names I have seen popping up everywhere I think Violet can stand the test of time, and will not sound cliche or over used in years to come.

I can picture a little Violet as a dark haired little girl with big wondering eyes, or even on a light haired little girl with freckles. It's a name that will sound professional on a grown woman, but soft and sweet on a little girl. Being one of my favorite flower names, I find it simple and easy to pair with first and middles of all styles. It's a great name that can give flare to a common first or middle name, or downplay a name that might be trendy or over the top unique. It's a name that will bring a smile to people's face upon hearing it 9 times out of 10.

Nicknames for Violet are sparse, but still sweet. They include the typical Vi, and Vivi. Less common nicknames might include: Viola, Vilah, or even Lettie. One of the more strange nicknames I've heard for a girl named Violet was Ollie. I wouldn't recommend it, but if your Violet happens to be a tomboy, it might be right up her alley.

First/Middles for Violet as I said earlier are vast and the styles that Violet will fit are endless. Pairing Violet with any first or middle name seems a breeze for me personally, and I like the variety of styles and choices that this sweet name allows. There is a combo for everyone I think.

First/Middle suggestions for Violet:

Violet Joy

Violet Ann

Violet Danielle

Violet Grace

Violet Matilda

Violet Carys

Violet Ariana

Violet Simone

Violet Brianne/a

Penelope Violet

Emmeline Violet

Rachel Violet

Willow Violet

Olivia Violet

Jocelyn Violet

Natalie Violet

Caroline Violet

Kaylee Violet

Zoe Violet

Tamara Violet

Alternatives for the name Violet might be something like:

Viola

Vera

Vivienne

Verona

Visola

Vlora

Vione

Vienna

Villette

Of the alternatives I've listed I love Viola (I'm biased of course, as this was one of my great-grandmother's middle names), I also like Vera, Verona, Villette, and I am really liking the idea and sound of Visola and Vlora for some odd reason. For public opinion on the name Violet please visit the question I've asked about it on Y!A .

Overall I find the name Violet a great old classic name. One that will age wonderfully well as a girl grows into adulthood. A name that fits many style combos for first/middle names to be paired with. One that will be around for a long time.

J. Kristen