Suzette is a charming and unique feminine given name of French origin. The name Suzette is derived from the French word "suzette," which means "little sweet one." This endearing name is often associated with a small, pleasant person who brings joy to those around them.
The history of the name Suzette dates back to the late Middle Ages in France. It was originally used as a diminutive or pet form of the given name Suzanne, which itself originates from the Latin name "Susanna," meaning "lily" or "lotus." Over time, Suzette became widely popular among French-speaking communities and eventually spread to other regions.
In literature, one notable character named Suzette appears in the classic novel "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas. Suzette is a maidservant who works for Madame Bonacieux, the wife of a musketeer. Despite her minor role in the story, Suzette's name has become synonymous with charm and wit.
Today, Suzette remains a popular choice among parents seeking an uncommon yet endearing name for their daughters. Its French roots give it an air of sophistication, while its meaning adds a touch of sweetness that is sure to be appreciated by all who hear it.
The name Suzette has a fascinating history when it comes to its usage in the United States. According to available statistics, the name first appeared in the U.S. in 1912 with a total of 6 births that year.
For the next few decades, the number of births with the name Suzette fluctuated annually, ranging from as low as 5 births in some years to a peak of 74 births in 1937. This period saw significant growth in popularity for the name, with more than 60 births occurring annually between 1928 and 1937.
The 1940s marked a turning point for Suzette's usage in the U.S., as it began to gain widespread acceptance among parents-to-be. In 1946 alone, there were 338 births with the name Suzette - an all-time high at that time. This trend continued throughout the decade, with over 200 births each year from 1947 to 1952.
The 1950s and early 1960s saw Suzette's popularity soar even further, with annual birth counts consistently exceeding 300. The name peaked again in 1964 with 719 births, before beginning a gradual decline over the following years.
Despite this decrease in usage during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Suzette remained relatively popular compared to other girls' names of that era. Between 1968 and 1974, annual birth counts hovered between 350 and 500.
As societal tastes shifted towards more modern-sounding names in the latter half of the 20th century, Suzette's popularity waned significantly. From 1975 onwards, annual births with the name fell below 250 each year, with some years seeing fewer than 100 births.
However, even after its heyday had passed, Suzette continued to be chosen for a small but steady number of newborn girls in the U.S. In recent years, the number of Suzettes born annually has remained relatively stable, with around 30-50 births occurring each year between 2016 and 2023.
In total, over 16,900 babies have been named Suzette in the United States since records began. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, this classic French name retains a certain timelessness that continues to appeal to parents today.