Rising since 1986, #1,777 for girls today.
Popularity of Cosette since 1912
Babies named Cosette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 49 |
| 1920s | 42 |
| 1930s | 29 |
| 1940s | 57 |
| 1950s | 133 |
| 1960s | 72 |
| 1970s | 58 |
| 1980s | 60 |
| 1990s | 297 |
| 2000s | 621 |
| 2010s | 1,036 |
| 2020s | 626 |
Meaning & origin
Cosette is a literary name with a distinct French flavor, lifted from the pages of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. In the U.S., it first appeared on record in 1912, but it did not gain traction until the musical adaptation of the novel brought the character worldwide fame. Since 1986, its usage has been on a steady upward trajectory, peaking in 2015. As of the latest data (2025), it ranks 1,777th and is given to roughly 1 in every 14,224 newborns. Geographically, Cosette shows higher popularity in Utah, Arizona, and North Carolina, reflecting its appeal among families seeking melodic, feminine names with cultural or literary resonance. The name remains relatively rare but carries strong associations with resilience and grace from its fictional namesake.
Cosette is a literary name invented by Victor Hugo for his 1862 novel Les Misérables. It is derived from the French word 'chose' (thing) with the feminine diminutive suffix '-ette', effectively meaning 'little thing'. In the novel, Cosette is the nickname given to the abused child Euphrasie; the name contrasts her frail humanity with her dehumanizing circumstances. Since the musical adaptation's international success in the 1980s, Cosette has been used as a given name, especially in English-speaking countries.
Where Cosette is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Coco, Etta, Cosy
Sibling names for Cosette
Names that share Cosette's style, for a brother or sister.
