Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Paulette is a French name that originates from the Latin Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble'. It has evolved from its Latin roots through Old French to its modern form. The name carries traits of elegance and sophistication, with no direct biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 17th century and continues to be a charming choice today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/pɔːˈlɛt/
Origin
French
Etymology
Paulette is a diminutive form of the name Paul, which is derived from the Latin name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble'.
Meaning
small, humble
Language Evolution
Paulus (Latin), Paulus (Old French), Paulette (Modern French)
Historical Usage
Paulette gained popularity in the 17th century in France as a feminine form of Paul, and it has been used in various cultures since.
Variants & Derivatives
Pauline, Paulette, Paula
Modern Popularity & Image
Paulette is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with sophistication and charm.
Famous People
Paulette Goddard, Paulette Cooper, Paulette Dubost
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,586 peak births in 1948
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 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 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5372nd of 6773 | 17 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4512th of 7552 | 48 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1944th of 9107 | 334 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 349th of 9204 | 6,568 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 210th of 12526 | 28,934 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 465th of 19264 | 7,161 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1400th of 27321 | 1,709 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2835th of 35406 | 912 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1852nd of 30306 | 1,329 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
100.00% 1416th/1416 |
60.77% 838th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
18.89% 292nd/1546 |
18.89% 294th/1556 |
17.08% 402nd/2353 |
19.46% 301st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.67% 193rd/2227 |
7.94% 193rd/2430 |
7.64% 218th/2853 |
9.44% 262nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
14.98% 440th/2937 |
12.72% 443rd/3483 |
12.59% 443rd/3518 |
13.11% 530th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
43.99% 1621st/3685 |
27.60% 1235th/4475 |
26.70% 1387th/5194 |
19.96% 1261st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
93.37% 4278th/4582 |
59.74% 3085th/5164 |
38.18% 2792nd/7313 |
21.18% 1581st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
62.40% 2486th/3984 |
46.85% 2102nd/4487 |
26.46% 1805th/6822 |
17.97% 1128th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in North Dakota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5372nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4512th out of 7552 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1944th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 349th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 210th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 465th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1400th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2835th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1852nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.