The name Jeanette is of French origin and is a feminine variation of the masculine given name Jean, which itself comes from the Hebrew name John. The name Jeanette means "God is gracious" or "graced by God." It is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means "Yahweh (God) is gracious."
The name Jeanette has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous Jeanettes was Jeanette MacDonald, a American singer and actress who was popular during the 1930s and 1940s. Another notable Jeanette was Jeanette Kidder, an American actress known for her roles in silent films.
The name Jeanette has also been used as a surname, particularly in France, where it is believed to have originated from a place name or a nickname given to someone who lived near a farmyard or had the physical characteristic of being fair-haired.
Today, Jeanette remains a popular given name for girls and continues to be used throughout many cultures around the world. It is often spelled differently depending on the country and language, including variants such as Jeanne, Janet, and Genette. Despite its variations in spelling and pronunciation, the meaning of Jeanette remains constant: "God is gracious.
Statistics on the given name Jeanette show that it has had a consistent but limited presence in the United States over time. According to annual statistics, there were 6 babies named Jeanette born in the U.S. in 1974 and another 5 babies with this name in 1990. This totals to a combined 11 births for the name Jeanette over these two years alone. While it may not be one of the most popular names, its consistent appearance indicates that it remains a meaningful choice for parents who prefer less common names.