A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lanette since 1917
Babies named Lanette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 46 |
| 1930s | 77 |
| 1940s | 369 |
| 1950s | 910 |
| 1960s | 1,600 |
| 1970s | 1,024 |
| 1980s | 565 |
| 1990s | 226 |
| 2000s | 109 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Lanette is a rare French-derived feminine name that never cracked the top 1000 in U.S. popularity, but it experienced a modest peak in 1969. After decades of very low usage, the name has been rising since 2022, suggesting a possible revival of vintage -ette names. It belongs to a category of names taken from fabric terms, similar to Velvet or Satin, and offers a soft, melodic sound. While it has no recorded top states or famous bearers, its connection to French textile vocabulary gives it a touch of old-world craftsmanship.
Lanette is a diminutive of the French word 'laine', meaning 'wool'. It was likely adopted as a given name from the fabric term, similar to names like Velvet or Cashmere. The name saw modest use in the United States starting in the early 20th century, peaking in 1969.
Where Lanette 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: Lane, Nettie, Lan
Variants: Lanete, Lanetta
Sibling names for Lanette
Names that share Lanette's style, for a brother or sister.
