Viola
How to say it: vy-OH-luh · /vaɪˈoʊlə/
From Latin 'viola' meaning 'violet flower'; also a stringed musical instrument. Used by Shakespeare.
Viola was the 893rd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 247 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1900s, its births are up about 28% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #870 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #893 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 247 |
| Share of births | 1 in 13,422 |
| Peak decade | 1900s |
| Change over 10 years | +28% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #870 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once prominent in the 1900s, Viola has settled far below that early high while remaining in steady use. A gentle lift is expected in coming years.
What goes with it
Soft and breathy across three syllables, Viola feels gentle with floral and musical associations. Ophelia echoes its literary grace.
Nicknames
- Vi
- Vio
Honouring a Viola in the family
- Violetequivalent
- Violetaequivalent
- Violanteequivalent
- Violettaequivalent
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Viola is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Czech, Danish, English, Finnish, German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Swedish.
Famous people named Viola
- Viola Davis (born 1965)American actress and producer
- Viola Amherd (born 1962)Swiss politician
- Viola Bauer (born 1976)German cross-country skier
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Viola
In the same lists
Find names you'll both love, starting with Viola
The one-minute style quiz.