"violet flower"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Viola
Pronunciation: [ v-eye-OHL-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,189 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
Shakespeare's boldest heroine, now making a quiet comeback
Italian
English
Scandinavian
German
Classic
Literary
Elegant
Sophisticated
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"purple blossom"
Origin: Latin
Language: Italian
The Story of Viola
Viola comes directly from the Latin word for the violet flower, which itself traces to Proto-Indo-European roots. It has been used as a given name since at least the Renaissance. Shakespeare made the name immortal in his comedy Twelfth Night (c. 1601), where Viola is a shipwrecked noblewoman who disguises herself as a boy — one of his most resourceful and beloved heroines. The name also shares its form with the viola, the orchestral string instrument that sits between violin and cello.
Viola is experiencing a notable revival in the 2020s, driven partly by the acclaimed career of Viola Davis — the first Black woman to win acting's Triple Crown. It fits squarely into the Victorian revival trend alongside Violet, Clara, and Ada.
In Italy, Viola has never gone out of fashion and remains a common and beloved name. In Scandinavian countries, it has been a steady classic for over a century. In English-speaking countries, the Shakespearean connection gives it literary prestige that few names can match.
Fun Facts
- Viola Davis became the first Black actress to win Emmy, Oscar, and Tony awards for acting
- Shakespeare's Viola in Twelfth Night cross-dresses as 'Cesario' — one of literature's first gender-bending protagonists
- The viola instrument takes its name from the same Latin root, making Viola an unusually musical name
Viola in Other Languages
French
Violette
German
Viola
Italian
Viola
Spanish
Violeta
Japanese
ヴィオラ
Famous People Named Viola
V
Viola Beach
Musician
2013
British indie rock band whose posthumous album reached #1 after the tragic deaths of all members in 2016
V
Viola Davis
Actor
1965
Award-winning American actress, first Black woman to achieve acting's Triple Crown (Emmy, Oscar, Tony)
V
Viola Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (c. 1601), a resourceful noblewoman who disguises herself as a man to survive
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,189
- Total SSA Count
- 199
- Cultural Origins
- Italian English Scandinavian German
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Vi
Vivi
Ola
Pairs Well With
Viola Rose
Viola Jane
Viola Grace
Viola Marie
Viola Claire
Viola Elizabeth
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Viola is also used as a boy name, ranked #19857.
View Viola as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Viola
What does the name Viola mean?
"violet flower" (from Latin). "purple blossom" (from Latin). Viola comes directly from the Latin word for the violet flower, which itself traces to Proto-Indo-European roots. It has been used as a given name since at least the Renaissance. Shakespeare made the name immortal in his comedy Twelfth Night (c. 1601), where Viola is a shipwrecked noblewoman who disguises herself as a boy — one of his most resourceful and beloved heroines. The name also shares its form with the viola, the orchestral string instrument that sits between violin and cello.
What is the origin of the name Viola?
Viola has Latin, Italian, English, Scandinavian, and German origins. In Latin, it means "violet flower". In Latin, it means "purple blossom".
Is Viola a boy or girl name?
Viola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1189. As a boy name, it is ranked #19857. Viola is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Viola?
Viola is pronounced v-eye-OHL-uh.
How popular is the name Viola?
Viola is currently ranked #1189 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Viola?
Common nicknames for Viola include Vi, Vivi, and Ola.
What are good middle names for Viola?
Popular middle name pairings include Viola Rose, Viola Jane, Viola Grace, Viola Marie, Viola Claire, and Viola Elizabeth.
What are good sibling names for Viola?
Names that pair well with Viola as siblings include Hugo, Cora, Edmund, Clara, Leopold, and Beatrice.
How many syllables does Viola have?
Viola has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Viola a common or rare name?
Viola is an uncommon name, ranked #1189 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Viola
Viola is a girl name with Italian, English, Scandinavian, and German origins . The name means "violet flower" in Latin .
Is Viola a boy or girl name? Viola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,189 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,857. Viola is more commonly used as a girl name.
Viola is currently ranked #1,189 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Viola has 3 syllables and is pronounced v-eye-OHL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Viola include Vi, Vivi, and Ola. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Viola include Violet, Violeta, Violette, Violetta, Violett . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.