Names ending in ette
- Velvette
Description:
Velvette is a feminine name inspired by the luxurious fabric velvet, with an added French-style 'ette' ending that enhances its ornate, refined quality. Though not derived from traditional naming practices, it emerged as a distinctive choice that evokes softness, comfort, and elegance. The name suggests tactile richness and sumptuous beauty, appealing to parents drawn to sensory, descriptive names with romantic overtones. Velvette remains quite rare as a given name, making it a truly distinctive choice that stands out in any setting. Its uniqueness is balanced by its straightforward pronunciation and connection to a familiar word. The name carries a vintage glamour reminiscent of old Hollywood while simultaneously feeling creative and contemporary, appealing to parents seeking something both unusual and inherently feminine with connotations of luxury and grace.
- 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.
- 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.
- Viviette
Origin:
French variation of VivianMeaning:
"life"Description:
Embroidered lace hankie of a name, used in a Thomas Hardy novel. That literary cred lends some gravitas.
- Lynette
Origin:
French elaboration of Lynn or WelshMeaning:
"idol"Description:
Linda begat Lynn which gave way to Lynette, which peaked in the late 1960s. Lynette has been off the Top 1000 for a couple decades now, and the Lynn variations finding the most favor are those that put the "lyn" part at the end: Evelyn, Madelyn, Brooklyn.
- 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.
- Jeannette
Origin:
French, diminutive of JeanneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Jeannette is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive of Jeanne (the French form of Jane/Joan). Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, the root of John meaning 'God is gracious,' Jeannette carries this blessing within its charming diminutive form.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Elliette
Origin:
Variation of ElliotDescription:
As Elliot in all its variations becomes more popular for girls, Elliette and other similar kree8if baby names will rise.
- Cozette
Description:
Cozette is a delicate feminine name that likely evolved as a diminutive form of the French name Cosette, famously featured in Victor Hugo's novel 'Les Misérables.' The original name may derive from the French 'chose' meaning 'thing' used as a term of endearment, or possibly from the Greek 'kosmos' meaning 'order' or 'harmony.' The spelling with 'z' gives it a modern twist while maintaining its French charm. Cozette has a gentle, melodic quality that suggests refinement and femininity. Though rare in official records, it appeals to parents drawn to French-inspired names with literary connections. The name carries a romantic, vintage feel while still sounding fresh and distinctive in contemporary contexts.
- Olivette
Origin:
Feminine form of Oliver, French, LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Scarlette
Origin:
Spelling variation of ScarlettMeaning:
"brilliant red"Description:
Although we think Scarlett is plenty feminine enough without the girly -ette suffix, this variation entered the US Top 1000 in 2011, where it remained for more than a decade. In 2023, it dropped off the list, however, it was still given to 240 girls that same year.
The traditional Scarlett is used 26 times more often its more elaborate counterpart, but Scarlette could could have the plus side of drawing people's eyes away from the "Scar" syllable and onto the second part of the name. For anyone hoping to use nickname Lettie, Ettie, or Etta - or plan to use it to honor a Charlotte - this form could be more appealing.
- Mette
Origin:
Norse, variation of MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
This is a Scandinavian variant of Margaret, and is pronounced MEH-teh or MET, rhyming with jet.
- Harriette
Description:
Harriette is a feminine name of Germanic origin, a diminutive form of Harriet, which itself is a feminine version of Harry or Henry. The name means 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household,' suggesting strength and leadership. Harriette gained some popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among the British aristocracy, but has become less common in modern times, giving it a vintage charm. The extra 'te' ending adds a touch of elegance and distinction to the classic Harriet. While not among the most popular names today, Harriette occasionally experiences small revivals as parents seek out sophisticated traditional names with historical depth. The name carries associations with notable figures like the 19th-century writer Harriette Wilson.
- Lucette
Origin:
French diminutive of LucyMeaning:
"little light"Description:
Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
- 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.
