The ette Girls 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ayelet
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"deer, gazelle"Description:
Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman.
- Addaret
- Adriannette
- Amulet
- Amunet
- Ausette
- Babette
Origin:
French, diminutive of BarbaraDescription:
A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era.
- Barbette
Description:
Barbette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Barbara. Barbara derives from Greek, meaning "foreign" or "strange," while the '-ette' suffix adds a sense of daintiness and charm typical of French naming traditions. Barbette peaked in minimal usage during the early 20th century but has since become exceedingly rare. The name carries a vintage, somewhat theatrical quality, which may be connected to its other meaning in French circus arts, where a "barbette" refers to a type of aerial apparatus. With its soft sounds and romantic French flair, Barbette might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name with historical roots and a touch of artistic elegance.
- Bellette
Description:
Bellette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form meaning 'little beautiful one' or 'small beauty.' It derives from the French word 'belle' (beautiful) with the diminutive suffix '-ette,' creating an endearing, graceful name. This charming name evokes images of elegance and femininity, fitting comfortably alongside French-inspired names like Juliette and Colette. Despite its appealing sound and meaning, Bellette remains quite rare, making it an attractive option for parents seeking something distinctive yet melodious and easy to pronounce. The name has a timeless quality that works well across various ages, from a young girl to a mature woman, while maintaining its inherent sweetness and sophistication.
- 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.
- Bridget/Bridgette/ Brigitte
- Cachet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"prestigious, desirable"Description:
Cachet is one of those word names -- Cliché is the most egregious example -- that sounds lovely but seems slightly ridiculous when taken literally.
- Charlotte
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of CharlesMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
- Clairette
Description:
Clairette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive of Claire (meaning 'clear' or 'bright' from Latin 'clarus'). The suffix '-ette' adds a touch of delicacy and charm, typical of French feminine diminutives. Beyond its use as a personal name, Clairette is also known as a variety of white wine grape grown primarily in southern France. The name evokes qualities of clarity, brightness, and refinement with its French styling. While never achieving widespread popularity outside of French-speaking regions, Clairette carries an elegant, sophisticated air that appeals to those drawn to names with French flair. The name suggests a personality that is illuminating, pure, and graceful, with the diminutive form adding a note of endearing sweetness.
- 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.