Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Babette since 1891
Babies named Babette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 146 |
| 1920s | 284 |
| 1930s | 204 |
| 1940s | 304 |
| 1950s | 728 |
| 1960s | 1,172 |
| 1970s | 280 |
| 1980s | 96 |
| 1990s | 25 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 7 |
| 2020s | 15 |
Meaning & origin
Babette is a French diminutive of Elisabeth that saw its peak usage in the United States in 1961. In 2025, it ranked 14,942 with approximately 1 in 321,453 girls receiving the name, showing its current rarity. The name has a stable trajectory, indicating it remains a niche choice rather than experiencing a revival. While it lacks strong regional ties within the U.S., its French origins give it a distinct European charm. Babette offers a unique alternative to more common Elizabeth variants, appealing to parents seeking a name with classic roots and a vintage feel.
Babette is a French pet form of Elisabeth, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'God is abundance'. The name was popularized in France and other French-speaking regions, often used as a diminutive or nickname. It gained moderate usage in English-speaking countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with a peak in the United States in 1961.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bab, Babs, Bette
Sibling names for Babette
Names that share Babette's style, for a brother or sister.
