Violets in Fiction
Violet, Viola, Violette, Violetta
This beautiful name and it’s variations reference a lovely, powerful little herb much loved by herbalists. We see it used often in fiction for characters who are equally strong and beautiful in their own right.
What does the name “Violet” mean?
Well-loved oft used, the name Violet is found in many stories both modern and old. And as you probably know, “violet” is a shade of purple and even the word for purple in Spanish. The name Violet can be traced to the Old French term violette (Violet : Meaning and Origin of First Name). If you go even further back, Violet can be traced all the way to the Latin word viola, which is also a name all on it’s own (Vanbuskirk).
The color itself adds meaning to the name as well. Violet lies near indigo at the end of the rainbow. As a color, violet has symbolic meanings as well. One such example lies in Chinese painting, where violet is said to represent harmony in the universe as it is a combination of blue for yin and red for yang (Momcom).
“Its elegant and timeless appeal resonates with parents seeking a name that embodies both natural beauty and a touch of femininity. Violet is a versatile name that suits a variety of personalities and can be found in many different cultures around the world. Its associations with beauty, grace, and creativity make it an excellent choice for parents looking for a name that carries positive connotations. ”
Popularity
Originating in the Victorian Era, Violet recently regained popularity in 2015 and has been a much-loved literary name for generations (“Violet.”). Pulling from it’s vintage roots, the name combines a classic sound with both a flower and color name. This breadth of meaning lends itself to be a widely applicable name (Vanbuskirk). Perhaps this is why many celebrities have chosen to name their baby Violet — another reason this name has undoubtedly soared in popularity recently (“Violet.”).
Violet Flowers & Their Properties
With Springtime arriving in many rays of warm sunshine here in Colorado, the violet plant is on my mind. Surely these sweet little flowers will soon be peeking their heads out from among beds of heart shaped leaves. And this brings us to another meaning for violet - the flower and it’s meanings in the language of flowers plus violet’s use in herbalism.
As an herbalist, to me “violet” refers to that lovely little flower that is one of the first to blossom in the spring. Often I find violets (Viola odorata) growing not by sight but by scent as they smell absolutely amazing. The vivid little purple flowers are found in shady spots of the garden and woods. Herbalist’s use both the scented flowers and nourishing mucilaginous leaves of violets are to help soothe the digestive system, coughs and dry throat, and even grief (McIntyre).
Small but mighty indeed.
And so to me, violet mean strength in an unobtrusive and wildly supportive way. And we can see this in some of the characters who have been given this beautiful moniker.
Yet, there is a strength to violet that is easy to take for granted when considering this small seemingly shy little plant. Herbalist’s know of and are grateful for this strength. The leaves of violet are nutritional providing high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A (Weed). Violet has also been used historically to help in the treatment of cancer (Grieve).
Find out more about violet’s use in herbalism over in our Materia Medica.
“Flower: a variety of meanings — love, modesty, virtue, affection, faithfulness, and good luck. The violet is February’s birth flower.”
Famous Fictional Violets
Vi
Arcane: League of Legends
Wow, Arcane’s Violet or Vi, as she goes by, is one powerful, focused character. She is ever present, strong, and a force for what could be considered right in a hard life doing her best to care for loved ones even when it is hard.
Violet Beauregarde
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Well, here we see a Violet who is perhaps struggling. She is known to be self-obsessed and rude to others. She ends up turning into a blueberry and I can’t help but wonder if that gave her some time to go deep for self-reflection.
Violet Parr
The Incredibles
Here we see a character who exemplifies some of the properties of the violet flower. Violet Parr is shy and unassuming in her life wanting to just blend in. But when the going gets tough, she steps up to help out taking care of her family and protecting the world.
Violet Baudelaire
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
This Violet pulls on the flower’s strength as an older sister. She is a smart inventor, spending time tackling life’s problems and caring for her younger siblings.
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden
Working as a ghost writer, Violet uses the written word to provide voice to the feelings of those who cannot write themselves. In this way, she subtly connects the world through the labor of love that is handwriting other’s thoughts and feelings.
Violet Gray
The Peanuts Movie
A bit of snob, this classic Peanuts Character can be seen showing off violet in two ways — her name, and the color of her dress. Like all of the Violet’s on this list, she is a smart cookie.
Violet Newstead
9 to 5
Violet Newstead is smart (surprise, surprise) and efficient widow with a teenage son who is continually being passed up for a promotion. In contrast to the younger Violet’s before, Mrs. Newstead is steadfast in her love and support of her son, working hard to give him the best life possible.
Violet
Violet: A New Musical
Originated by Sutton Foster, Violet received a large scar across her face from a childhood injury. This musical explores Violet learning who she is, as she navigates a world she expects to take her only at face value. Throughout, she leans into the flower’s roots in affection and love, learning about accepting herself and finding her place in the world.
Violet Bleakman
Clifford the Big Red Dog
While a side character, how could this classic kids cartoon not be included? As a neighbor to the big dog himself, this Violet exudes the patience and strength necessary to live next to sweet Clifford and his family. Just think about the size of those dog turds! Only a Violet could survive such a neighbor with so much grace.
Violet Crawley
Dowager Countess of Grantham
Downton Abbey
Played by the late great Maggie Smith, Violet Crawley’s defining characteristic is how (you guessed it!) smart she is. But instead of using her smarts to solve problems or ace tests, the Dowager Countess uses her brand of genius to meddle in other’s lives and deliver zingy one-liners. For example, “All life is a series of problems which we must try and solve.”
Violet Bridgerton
Bridgerton
Known to embody wisdom, grace and refined elegance, this Violet captures the Victorian roots of the name better than any others. With a deep love of her family and hope for them to have their best lives, this Violet exemplifies the love, modesty, virtue, affection and faithfulness so associated with the flower.
Violet Ayres
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Deeply connected to nature, we see Violet Ayres embrace her inner calling as this story progresses as she moves closer to the insects and plants she adores. She struggles and persists in following her heart - this Violet brings forth the strength, fortitude, and wisdom that the little plant represents and provides to us humans who love her.
Viola
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Ok, so not quite Violet, but Viola is a close cousin and there has to be classic literature somehow, right? When Viola crashes in a foreign land, her quick wit and resourcefulness helps her survive and ultimately gets her a marriage with the local Count, despite a case of mistaken identity. So what did she use — her smarts!
References
Becker, Walt. Clifford the Big Red Dog. Paramount Pictures, 2020.
Bird, Brad. The Incredibles. Buena Vista Pictures, 2004.
Dahl, Roald. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Puffin, 2005.
Engler, Michael. Downton Abbey. Focus Features, 2019.
Fujita, Haruka. Violet Evergarden: The Complete Series. FUNimation, 2020.
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal. Barnes and Noble Books. New York. 1996.
Hart, Emilia. Weyward. Borough Press, 2023.
Linke, Christain, and Alex Yee. Arcane: League of Legends, Netflix, 2021.
MacDonald, Laurie, et al. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. Paramount, 2018.
McIntyre, Anne. Flower Power: Flower Remedies for Healing Body and Soul through Herbalism, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, and Flower Essences. Henry Holt and Co, 1996.
“Origin and Meaning of First Name Violet: Search Family History on Ancestry®.” Violet : Meaning and Origin of First Name | Search Family History on Ancestry®., www.ancestry.com/first-name-meaning/violet. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Parton, Dolly, et al. 9 to 5: The Musical: The Original Broadway Cast Recording. Dolly Records : A2M Distribution, 2009.
“Pregnancy, Parenting, Lifestyle, Beauty: Tips & Advice: Mom.Com.” Momcom, babynames.mom.com/girl/25312/Violet. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Quinn, Julia. Bridgerton. Avon Books, 2021.
Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night. Washington Square Press Inc., N.Y, 2005.
Tesori, Jeanine, et al. Violet: A New Musical. Resmiranda, 1998.
The Peanuts Movie. Schulz, Craig,, et al. Collector's edition. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2016.
Vanbuskirk, Sarah. “What Does the Name Violet Mean?” Parents, Parents, 10 June 2024, www.parents.com/violet-name-meaning-origin-popularity-8653871.
“Violet.” Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity, www.thebump.com/b/violet-baby-name. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Weed, Susun S. Healing Wise. New York: Ash Tree Publishing. 1989.