Holding steady.
Popularity of Linnette since 1930
Babies named Linnette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 13 |
| 1940s | 69 |
| 1950s | 219 |
| 1960s | 269 |
| 1970s | 202 |
| 1980s | 139 |
| 1990s | 118 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 33 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Linnette is a rare feminine given name in the United States, first recorded in 1930 but never reaching the top 1000. Its peak usage occurred in 1971, reflecting a mid-century taste for feminine '-ette' endings. The name has maintained a stable trajectory with very low usage in recent decades. While no top states recorded significant numbers, the name's Welsh origins and literary association with Lynette from Tennyson's poetry give it a delicate, classic feel. Parents choosing Linnette today are reviving a name that has never been common, offering a distinctive choice with a soft, melodic sound.
Linnette is a diminutive of Lynn, itself derived from Welsh 'llyn' meaning 'lake' or 'pool'. Alternatively, it may be a variant of Lynette, a name popularized by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem 'Gareth and Lynette' (1872), derived from Welsh 'eiddun' meaning 'desired' or 'idol'. The spelling with two n's is a modern variation.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lin, Linn, Netta
Sibling names for Linnette
Names that share Linnette's style, for a brother or sister.
