Minnette is a unique and captivating female given name with an intriguing origin story and rich history behind it.
The name Minnette is of French origin and was derived from the French word "minette," which means "little one" or "petite." This charming moniker reflects the diminutive nature of its root word, adding a touch of sweetness and tenderness to the name. It is often used as a nickname for larger female names such as Minou (meaning "kitten") or Minière ("miner").
The use of Minnette as a given name can be traced back to medieval France during the Middle Ages. However, it gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries when many French families adopted it for their daughters. Today, Minnette remains a popular choice among parents seeking a distinctive yet approachable name for their baby girls.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Minnette. One famous bearer was French actress Minnie Phillips, who was active during the silent film era of the early 20th century. Another notable Minnette is American author Minnetta Gourin, known for her children's books published in the mid-20th century.
In popular culture, Minnette has made appearances as a character name in various movies and television shows. For example, it was used for one of the main characters in the French animated film "Le Petit Nicholas" (The Little Nicholas) released in 1960.
Overall, Minnette is an enchanting female given name with roots deeply embedded in French culture and history. Its delicate yet confident sound makes it a memorable choice for parents looking to give their daughter a name that is both unique and endearing.
Between 1885 and 1979, the name Minnette was given to a total of 593 newborns in the United States. The usage of this name experienced significant fluctuations over time.
In the late 19th century, the number of babies named Minnette remained relatively low, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1885 and 1897. However, there was a notable increase in popularity during the early 20th century. Between 1912 and 1923, the number of annual births with the name Minnette consistently remained above 10, reaching a peak of 18 births in both 1912 and 1921.
The popularity of the name Minnette began to decline in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Between 1924 and 1933, the annual number of births with this name varied between 6 and 17, but it never again reached the heights of the early 20th century.
The middle of the 20th century saw a further decrease in the usage of the name Minnette. Between 1942 and 1979, there were fewer than 10 births per year with this name every single year, with the exception of two years: 1962 and 1970, when 11 babies were named Minnette.
Overall, while Minnette was a relatively uncommon name in the United States throughout most of the period between 1885 and 1979, it did experience periods of increased popularity during the early to mid-20th century. However, its usage remained quite limited compared to many other names.