Holding steady.
Popularity of Joliet since 1999
Babies named Joliet per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 23 |
| 2010s | 54 |
| 2020s | 21 |
Meaning & origin
Joliet is a rare given name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1999, with its highest usage occurring in 2014. The name has shown a stable trajectory since its debut, never reaching the top 1000 ranks. It is not associated with any specific top states, reflecting its scattered, low-frequency use. Despite its obscurity, Joliet offers a fresh alternative to more common names like Juliet or Jolene, with a melodic quality that may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive. The name's origin remains unclear, but its resemblance to the French word 'jolie' (pretty) and the place name Joliet (Illinois) give it a modern, feminine feel without a deep historical background.
The name Joliet has no clear ancient derivation. It may be a modern coinage influenced by names like Jolie (French for 'pretty') combined with a -et suffix, or inspired by the city Joliet in Illinois, itself named after French explorer Louis Jolliet. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1999 and remains rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Joli, Jet, Liette
Variants: Joliette, Jolietta
Sibling names for Joliet
Names that share Joliet's style, for a brother or sister.
