Antoinette is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "antoine," which is itself derived from the Latin name "Antonius." Antonius is believed to have been an ancient Roman family name, likely derived from the Latin word "anthos," meaning "flower." Thus, Antoinette can be interpreted as a feminine form of Antoine or Antonin, and its meaning could be associated with flowers.
The name Antoinette was popularized in France during the 17th century. It gained further international recognition through several notable figures bearing this name:
* Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), born Archduchess Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna of Austria, was the Queen of France from 1774 until her execution in 1793 during the French Revolution. Her story has become synonymous with the opulence and extravagance of the French monarchy.
* Antoinette Brown Blackwell (1825-1921) was an American suffragist, abolitionist, and women's rights activist who became one of the first ordained female ministers in the United States.
Today, Antoinette continues to be a popular given name in France and other Francophone countries, as well as among families with French heritage or appreciation for French culture. It is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and a certain je ne sais quoi that embodies the spirit of France.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Antoinette has had a total of 22 births recorded in the United States over four different years: 5 births in 1970, 6 births in 1974, 5 births in 1984, and another 6 births in 1988.