Classic and Eclectic Ette Girl Names
- 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.
- Alouette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"lark"Description:
Alouette is a sweet Gallic twist in the stylish bird name genre made familiar via the charming French children's song, Alouette, gentile alouette.
- Ambrette
Origin:
French, word nameDescription:
Ambrette is the name of a French dessert pear, and also a West Indian hibiscus seed.
- Angelette
Description:
Angelette is a delicate feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Angela, which stems from the Greek word 'angelos' meaning 'messenger' or 'angel.' The addition of the French suffix '-ette' gives it a dainty, more feminine quality, essentially meaning 'little angel.' While not as common as Angela or Angelina, Angelette emerged primarily in the mid-20th century and saw modest usage in the United States. The name carries connotations of sweetness, innocence, and celestial beauty. Despite its charming sound and clear meaning, Angelette has remained relatively uncommon, making it an option for parents seeking a recognizable but distinctive name with spiritual undertones and a touch of French elegance.
- Anjanette
Description:
Anjanette is a feminine given name with French origins, derived from the name 'Ange' meaning 'angel' or 'messenger.' The name carries a sense of grace and heavenly beauty with the diminutive '-ette' suffix adding a touch of delicacy. Anjanette gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s but has since become less common, giving it a distinctive and somewhat vintage appeal today. The name may be associated with actress Anjanette Comer who rose to fame in the 1960s. While never reaching the top tiers of popularity, Anjanette appeals to parents seeking a feminine name with a subtle French flair and angelic connotations.
- Annette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Annette is a French diminutive of Ann which was among the first wave of widely-used girls' names from France, now neglected for so long that it's almost starting to feel stylish again.
- Antoinette
Origin:
French feminine diminutive form of AntoineMeaning:
"priceless one"Description:
This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.
- Arlette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Aidette
- Amorette
- Andriette
- Anthonette
- Bechette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little spade"Description:
Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.
- Bernadette
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave as a bear"Description:
Although feminizations ending in "ette" are not particularly popular now, Bernadette is a pleasant, feminine, but strong name that doesn't feel prohibitively dated. And though strongly associated with the saint who saw visions of the Virgin Mary—Saint Bernadette of Lourdes—it is now no longer strictly inhabiting the Catholic diocese.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carlette
Description:
Carlette is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive form of Carla or Caroline, which ultimately derive from the Germanic male name Karl, meaning "free man" or "strong." The addition of the French-inspired suffix "-ette" creates a distinctly feminine and somewhat delicate variation. Most popular in the mid-20th century, particularly the 1950s and 1960s, Carlette has since become quite uncommon, giving it a vintage quality. The name carries a certain elegance with its French-influenced ending while maintaining the strength associated with its Germanic roots. Carlette offers families seeking a connection to names like Carol, Caroline, or Charles a more distinctive alternative that balances uniqueness with recognizable origins and straightforward pronunciation.
- Claudette
Origin:
French, feminine variation of ClaudeMeaning:
"lame; enclosure"Description:
Once seen as a dated French Claudette-Colbert feminization, along with Annette and Paulette, we can see Claudette moving into a more plausible Colette-Cosette arena. While some may be put off by the common "lame" meaning, some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-appealing name.
- Colette
Origin:
French, short form of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, GreekMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Like the French author with whom the name is most closely associated, Colette is a chic and charming name that is being rediscovered. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, Colette rejoined the Top 1000 in 2012 at Number 659 and has continued to rise since then.
- Cosette
Origin:
French literary nicknameMeaning:
"little thing"Description:
Cosette is best known as the heroine of Les Miserables. In the Victor Hugo novel, Cosette was the nickname given to the girl named Euphrasie by her mother. Although Hugo invented the name, some etymologists believe it's a spin on Colette, originally a female short form of Nicolas.