Declining since 2006.
Popularity of Jolette since 1954
Babies named Jolette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 15 |
| 1960s | 36 |
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 8 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 453 |
| 2010s | 167 |
| 2020s | 58 |
Meaning & origin
Jolette is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1954. It never entered the top 1,000 names, but experienced modest usage, reaching its peak year of popularity in 2005. Since 2006, its trajectory has been falling, mirroring the broader decline of similar '-ette' suffixed names. The name's meaning is often linked to the French word 'jolie' meaning 'pretty', though its formation is clearly a modern blend reflecting mid-20th century naming trends. Parents choosing Jolette today are selecting a name that feels both delicate and optimistic, without a long historical tradition. Its sound is reminiscent of names like Juliette and Colette, yet with a distinctively American, invented feel.
Jolette appears to be a modern coinage, likely formed by blending the popular prefix 'Jo-' (from names like Josephine or Jolene) with the French diminutive suffix '-ette', which implies smallness or endearment. It may also be influenced by the English word 'jolly' or the French 'jolie' meaning 'pretty'. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1954, during a period when similar coinages like Lynette and Nanette were fashionable.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo, Jolie, Letty
Sibling names for Jolette
Names that share Jolette's style, for a brother or sister.
