Jeanette is a feminine given name of French origin and meaning "God is merciful". It is a variant spelling of the French name Jeanne, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Johanna, meaning "God is gracious" or "God's grace".
The name Jeanette has been in use since at least the Middle Ages in France. It was borne by several historical figures, including Jeanette d'Arville (1485-1520), a French noblewoman who was known for her beauty and wit, and Jeanette MacDonald (1903-1965), an American singer and actress who gained fame in the 1930s.
The name Jeanette has also been popular among writers. It is the title character of the novel "Jeanette" by French author Marcel Pagnol, published in 1942. Additionally, it inspired the stage musical "Jeanette," which premiered on Broadway in 2017 and featured a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Overall, Jeanette is a classic feminine given name that has been used for centuries and has a significant historical presence in France and beyond. Its meaning, "God is merciful", reflects its religious origins and adds to its timeless appeal.
The name Jeanette has seen a significant decrease in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was quite popular, with over 200 births each year from 1900 to 1930. The peak of its popularity was in 1930, with 2434 births.
However, starting from the 1930s, the number of Jeanette births began to decline steadily. By the 1960s, fewer than 2000 Jeanettes were born each year. The trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with numbers ranging between 900 and 1500 per year.
In the 1990s, the popularity of the name Jeanette dropped even further, with fewer than 500 births each year. This trend has continued into the 21st century, with fewer than 70 Jeanettes born annually since 2016.
As of 2023, the total number of Jeanette births in the United States is approximately 163,304. Despite its significant decline in popularity over time, the name Jeanette still holds historical significance due to its former prevalence.