Names ending in ette
- 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.
- Violette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Marinette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the sea"Description:
French diminutive of Marine
- 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.
- Lucette
Origin:
French diminutive of LucyMeaning:
"little light"Description:
Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
- Babette
Origin:
French, diminutive of BarbaraDescription:
A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era.
- Bridgette
Description:
Bridgette is a feminine name representing a French variation of Bridget, ultimately derived from the Celtic name Brighid meaning "exalted one." In Irish mythology, Brighid was a powerful goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. This spelling with the double-t gives the name a touch of French elegance while maintaining its Celtic roots. Bridgette gained popularity in the mid-20th century, partly inspired by French actress Brigitte Bardot, though this variation uses a more phonetic English spelling. The name balances traditional heritage with accessibility, offering a slightly more elaborate alternative to the simpler Bridget. While never reaching the heights of ultra-popular girls' names, Bridgette has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its classic feel and feminine charm.
- Mariette
Origin:
French diminutive of MarieMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
A less-popular alternative to Juliette, perhaps – although it feels rather more dated.
- Nanette
Origin:
French diminutive of AnneMeaning:
"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".
- Minette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Bette
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Pronounced a la Bette (Betty) Davis or Bette (Bet) Midler, a twentieth-century relic. Though if the equally vintage Betty comes back, Bette may be close behind.
- Rosette
Description:
Rosette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Rose. It literally means 'little rose,' referring to the small, rose-shaped decoration or ribbon formation. The name combines botanical beauty with artistic flair, conveying images of elegance and refinement. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Rosette has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its sophisticated French flair. The name carries the rose's symbolic associations with love and beauty while adding a touch of uniqueness compared to the more common Rose or Rosie. Rosette appeals to parents seeking a name that's recognizable yet distinctive, combining floral inspiration with European charm.
- Paulette
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of PaulMeaning:
"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.
- Henriette
Origin:
French, feminine form of HenriDescription:
Henriette is to Henri (or Henry) what Charlotte is to Charles. Yet this elegant French name is surprisingly rare in the States.
- Jeanette
Origin:
French, diminutive of JeanneDescription:
Relic of a past period of French favorites, out to pasture with Claudette and Paulette.
- Musette
Description:
Musette is a delicate feminine name of French origin with musical associations. Derived from the French word for a small bagpipe-like instrument popular in the 18th century, it also refers to a charming rustic dance. The name gained some recognition through its appearance in the opera 'La Bohème,' where Musetta is a spirited character. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Musette carries a whimsical, artistic quality that appeals to parents drawn to French-inspired names with cultural depth. Its musical roots make it especially appealing to families with artistic inclinations. Despite its rarity, Musette offers a memorable, melodic quality while maintaining an elegant French sophistication that sets it apart from more commonly used French names.
- Vedette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"star, leading actor"Description:
Translating to "star", but used to refer to the leading female artist in a cabaret show, for French speakers, this would be like naming your child "Showgirl".
- Miette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Simonette
Description:
Simonette is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive or elaboration of Simone, the feminine form of Simon. It has French influences, with the charming '-ette' suffix adding a touch of delicacy and elegance. The base name Simon derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'one who hears' or 'he has heard.' Simonette carries this heritage while adding a feminine, ornate quality. Quite rare in English-speaking countries, Simonette offers a distinctive alternative to more common feminine forms like Simone or Simona. The name has a romantic, vintage appeal with its French-inspired styling. Parents might choose Simonette for its sophisticated European flair, melodious quality, and the way it balances traditional roots with unique character.