Jeannette is a female given name of French origin. It is derived from the masculine name Jean, which is a derivative of Johannes, meaning "God is gracious" or "God has shown favor." The feminine form of Jean is Jeanne, and Jeannette is a diminutive of Jeanne.
The name Jeannette was popular in France during the 19th century and was often given to girls born into working-class families. It was also a common name among French Canadians. In some parts of France, particularly in the regions of Brittany and Normandy, Jeannette was traditionally given to girls born on the feast day of Saint Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc).
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Jeannette. One of the most famous is Jeannette Pickering Rankin, who was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1916. Another notable figure is Jeannette Lykes, a Canadian painter and art educator who was known for her landscapes and still lifes.
Today, Jeannette remains a relatively uncommon name outside of France but continues to be popular among French speakers. It is often associated with warmth, approachability, and simplicity. However, it is important to note that the traits and characteristics of individuals are unique and not determined by their names alone.
The statistics provided show the number of births with the name Jeannette in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data illustrates a fluctuating trend over time, with periods of increase and decrease.
From 1880 to 1915, there was an upward trend in the number of newborn girls named Jeannette. Starting with 34 births in 1880, this figure rose steadily each year until reaching its peak at 903 births in 1915.
However, after 1915, we observe a decline in the popularity of the name Jeannette. The number of newborn girls named Jeannette dropped significantly from 1916 to 2022, with only 28 births recorded in 2020 and 18 births in 2022.
It is noteworthy that despite this decline, there have been periods of slight recovery or stabilization. For example, between the late 1930s and early 1950s, the number of newborn girls named Jeannette fluctuated between approximately 850 to 950 births per year.
In conclusion, while the name Jeannette was quite popular during the early to mid-20th century in the United States, its popularity has declined significantly over time. Nevertheless, it remains a classic name with a rich history of usage.