MallowbyNames

Alette

ah-LET · Little winged one; though the root is debated, often connected to the French word 'ailette' meaning small wing.

2025 rank (girls)
#13,208
Babies named in 2025
6
Peak popularity
2020
2025 frequency
1 in 267,878 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2021

Declining since 2021, #13,208 for girls today.

Popularity of Alette since 1962

Babies named Alette per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4812198020002020Most births 2020Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s7
1970s0
1980s0
1990s5
2000s10
2010s53
2020s45

Meaning & origin

Alette is a rare French-derived name meaning 'little winged one,' evoking imagery of delicacy and flight. First recorded in the United States in 1962, its usage remained minimal for decades. A modest peak occurred in 2020, followed by a falling trajectory since 2021. With a 2025 rank of 13,208 and an incidence of about 1 in 267,878 births, it remains an uncommon choice. Its rarity appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet elegant name with European flair. The name's connection to the French 'ailette' (small wing) gives it a light, airy quality, while its similarity to more familiar names like Colette and Juliette offers a touch of familiarity.

Alette is a diminutive form derived from the Old French 'aile' (wing), with the suffix '-ette' indicating smallness. It appears as a rare given name, likely emerging as a variant of Alethea or as a direct borrowing from the French term for a small wing or fin. Its use in the United States has been sporadic since the mid-20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Letta, Lettie

Sibling names for Alette

Names that share Alette's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Alette, our favorite little girl.

A is for Alette…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Alette's letter becomes Alette's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Alette's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Alette mean?
Alette is often connected to the French word 'ailette,' meaning a small wing, and is interpreted as 'little winged one.' The exact meaning is debated, but this is the most common association.
How popular is the name Alette?
Alette is a very rare name. In 2025, it ranked 13,208th in the United States, with approximately 1 in every 267,878 newborn girls given the name.
Is Alette a boy or girl name?
Alette is predominantly a girl's name.