Girl · 205th of 19,264
Jeanette
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
163,902
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1939
Peak Popularity Year
2,902
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Jeanette stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Jeanette is a French name derived from the diminutive of Jeanne, which means 'God is gracious.' It has evolved through various forms, starting from Yochanan in Hebrew to its modern usage. The name is associated with charm and elegance, though it has seen a decline in popularity. It has no direct biblical relevance but is connected through its roots in the name John. Notable figures include actress Jeanette MacDonald and author Jeanette Winterson.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dʒəˈnɛt/
Origin
French
Etymology
Jeanette is a diminutive form of the name Jeanne, which is the French feminine form of John. The name John itself derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.'
Meaning
God is gracious
Language Evolution
Yochanan (Hebrew), Ioannes (Greek), Johannes (Latin), Jeanne (Old French), Jeanette (Modern French)
Historical Usage
The name Jeanette gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in French-speaking regions and later in English-speaking countries, often seen as a charming and feminine name.
Variants & Derivatives
Jean, Jeanne, Janet, Janette, Jannette
Modern Popularity & Image
Jeanette is perceived as a classic and elegant name, though its popularity has declined in recent decades. It carries a vintage charm and is often associated with kindness and grace.
Famous People
Jeanette MacDonald, an American singer and actress, Jeanette Winterson, a British author, Jeanette Lee, an American professional pool player
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,902 peak births in 1939
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4523rd of 7545 | 44 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2321st of 6773 | 190 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3428th of 7552 | 106 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3907th of 10718 | 112 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6706th of 16616 | 85 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 144th of 9107 | 29,339 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 109th of 9204 | 43,409 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 152nd of 12526 | 46,605 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 205th of 19264 | 23,316 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 305th of 27321 | 13,972 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1143rd of 35406 | 3,274 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2337th of 30306 | 947 |