Declining since 1987, #2,387 for girls today.
Popularity of Jeanette since 1880
Babies named Jeanette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 767 |
| 1890s | 1,503 |
| 1900s | 2,438 |
| 1910s | 11,134 |
| 1920s | 19,783 |
| 1930s | 24,753 |
| 1940s | 24,727 |
| 1950s | 23,984 |
| 1960s | 22,086 |
| 1970s | 12,970 |
| 1980s | 9,940 |
| 1990s | 6,050 |
| 2000s | 1,937 |
| 2010s | 965 |
| 2020s | 403 |
Meaning & origin
Jeanette is a classic French diminutive that saw its peak popularity in 1939, when it was the 2387th-ranked name in the United States. Since 1987, its usage has declined steadily, reflecting broader trends away from French-inflected feminine names of the early 20th century. In 2025, approximately 1 in 21,430 newborn girls received the name, with the highest concentrations in New York, California, and Florida. Though no longer a frequent choice, Jeanette retains a vintage charm appreciated by parents who value traditional yet somewhat uncommon names. Its meaning 'God is gracious' connects it to a vast family of names derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, including John and its many feminine forms.
Jeanette is a diminutive of Jeanne, the French feminine form of Jean, which itself derives from the Hebrew Yohanan meaning 'God is gracious'. The suffix '-ette' indicates a small or affectionate form. The name became common in English-speaking countries in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often used as a French-influenced alternative to Janet or Jean.
Where Jeanette is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jeanie, Netty, Jean
Sibling names for Jeanette
Names that share Jeanette's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Yvonne, Colette, Annette, Bernadette, Suzanne, Felicia, Rochelle, Christa, Donnetta, Jonette, Bobette, Jeanice, Lanette, Annelle, Burnette, Gayleen, Janique, Jannell, Lynnetta, Noretta, Rayetta, Trinette, Dawnette, Dennette, Jancie, Janeene, Jeanell, Jeania, Jearlene, Levette, Ronnetta, Christean, Helayne, Jenese, Karletta, Lazette, Leanette, Rayette, Royetta, Waynetta, Wilmarie, Wynetta
Brothers: Jacques, Maurice, Andre, Pierre, Gerald, Jeanpaul, Sherrod
Names like Jeanette
Names whose popularity has moved with Jeanette's over the last 50 years.
