Names ending in ette

  1. Arlette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "noble, honor"
    • Description:

      Arlette is a French form of the Germanic name Herleva, which was the name of the mother of William the Conqueror. It peaked in France in the mid-1930s, but you might be surprised to learn that in the US, it's only just beginning to catch on now. It entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2018, and has dipped in and out in the years since then.
  2. Nanette
    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Anne
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      There was a time when French names like Annette, Paulette – and Nanette – were chic, but now, we'd have to say "No, no, Nanette".
  3. Violette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "purple"
    • Description:

      Now that Violet is becoming more popular, parents are starting to explore same-but-different options such as the French Violette, which would properly be pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable and three syllables -- vee-oh-let -- as well as the Spanish Violeta — both of which were among the fastest-rising girl names of 2023.
  4. Minette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "faithful defender"
    • Description:

      Frenchified name rarely used in France. And perhaps even more rarely used in the US -- there were NO baby girls given the name on the official records of 2021.
  5. Everette
    • Origin:

      Variation of Everett, English variation of the German Eberhard,"brave as a wild boar"
    • Meaning:

      "brave as a wild boar"
    • Description:

      While Everett is overwhelmingly male -- more than 4000 baby boys were named Everett in the US last year versus fewer than 100 baby girls -- spelling Everette makes the name more gender-neutral. While there are still twice as many baby boys named Everette as baby girls, the gender gap is much narrower. Everette is relatively rare, with fewer than 100 babies of each gender given this spelling.
  6. Jeanette
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Jeanne
    • Description:

      Relic of a past period of French favorites, out to pasture with Claudette and Paulette.
  7. Mignonette
    • Origin:

      Form of Mignon, French
    • Meaning:

      "delicate, dainty"
    • Description:

      Mignonette is kind of a diminutive of a diminutive. Mignon is the French word for cute, so Mignonette is more or less cutie.
  8. Collette
    • Description:

      Collette is a feminine name of French origin, serving as a variation of Nicole or Nicolette, ultimately derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people.' This elegant name carries a sophisticated European flair and has maintained consistent popularity throughout the decades without becoming overly common. Collette was particularly fashionable in the mid-20th century, partly inspired by the renowned French novelist and performer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, known simply as 'Colette.' The name evokes images of Parisian chic and artistic sensibility. With its melodic sound and cultural cachet, Collette offers a classic yet distinctive option for parents seeking a name with timeless appeal.
  9. Marinette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "of the sea"
    • Description:

      French diminutive of Marine
  10. Olivette
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Oliver, French, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "olive tree"
    • Description:

      A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera Les noces d'Olivette and ranked in the Top 500 in France in the early half of the 20th century.
  11. Mette
    • Origin:

      Norse, variation of Margaret
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.
  12. Lizette
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.
  13. Lunette
    • Description:

      Lunette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'lune,' meaning 'moon.' The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little moon.' This celestial connection gives Lunette an ethereal, enchanting quality. In French folklore, Lunette appears as a character in Arthurian legends, where she serves as Lady Laudine's confidante. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a consistent presence as a distinctive choice. Its lyrical sound and romantic French associations appeal to parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The lunar connection also resonates with those drawn to celestial or nature-inspired names.
  14. Lafayette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "faith"
    • Description:

      Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard. Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.
  15. Miette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "crumb"
    • Description:

      Originally used as a diminutive of Marguerite, this French term of endearment is super-rare as a given name in France, but could make for a sweet alternative to Mia in English-speaking countries. A variation is Mietta.
  16. Alette
    • Description:

      Alette is a feminine name of French and Scandinavian origin, functioning as a diminutive of Aletta or a variant of Charlotte. In French, it carries the charming meaning of 'little winged one' or 'small bird', while in Norwegian and Danish contexts, it's associated with nobility or being 'of noble kind'. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Alette enjoys modest popularity in Scandinavian nations, particularly Norway. The name combines delicacy with a subtle strength and offers the cute nickname option 'Alie' or 'Lettie'. Its distinctive yet accessible sound makes it appealing to parents seeking a name that's unique without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Alette's cross-cultural heritage adds to its versatile appeal.

  17. Babette
    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Barbara, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "stranger"
    • Description:

      A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era. Babette's Feast is a 1987 Danish film based on a Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen) story about a cook who wins the lottery and prepares an elaborate feast.
  18. Henriette
    • Origin:

      French, feminine form of Henri
    • Description:

      Henriette is to Henri (or Henry) what Charlotte is to Charles. Yet this elegant French name is surprisingly rare in the States.
  19. Paulette
    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Paul
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      It's interesting how names imported to the US from other countries and cultures have fashion cycles based on their culture of origin. Paulette along with cousins Annette and Claudette were the most fashionable French imports in the middle of the last century, only to sink from sight and be replaced by such current French favorites as Charlotte, Sophie, and Eloise. In general, feminizations of male names have faded in favor of gender-neutral choices, and Paul itself is off its own fashion peak.
  20. Amorette
    • Origin:

      Variation of Amoret
    • Description:

      Amorette is an elaborate variation of the old yet rare girls' name Amoret, used in Spenser's The Faerie Queen to represent married love.