Declining since 1985, #2,607 for girls today.
Popularity of Lynette since 1897
Babies named Lynette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 20 |
| 1910s | 208 |
| 1920s | 455 |
| 1930s | 851 |
| 1940s | 3,913 |
| 1950s | 10,128 |
| 1960s | 12,751 |
| 1970s | 7,279 |
| 1980s | 3,529 |
| 1990s | 1,764 |
| 2000s | 1,225 |
| 2010s | 853 |
| 2020s | 410 |
Meaning & origin
Lynette first entered U.S. birth records in 1897, but it reached its peak popularity in 1965, when it ranked in the top 500. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining. Today, approximately 1 in 24,353 newborn girls receives the name, placing it at rank 2,607 for the latest year. The name was most popular in the 1960s and has seen the highest relative usage in states such as Washington, California, and Texas. Lynette carries a subtle Welsh heritage, though it was widely adopted in English-speaking countries through literature. Its nickname potential and soft, melodic sound keep it familiar but not common.
Lynette is a feminine name of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word 'llyn' meaning 'lake' or from the diminutive suffix '-et'. It emerged in the 19th century as a variant of the Welsh name Eluned, which itself may have roots in 'llyn'. The name was popularized in Arthurian legend through Alfred Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' (1872), where Lynette is a spirited maiden. In the United States, Lynette saw significant use in the mid-20th century.
Where Lynette 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.
“Lynette” around the world
Where Lynette lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lyn, Nettie, Etta, Lynnie
Sibling names for Lynette
Names that share Lynette's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Gwendolyn, Bridget, Colleen, Megan, Caitlin, Janell, Jerilyn, Jonette, Arlyn, Dannette, Janee, Lauralee, Renay, Brendalee, Davette, Denean, Donnette, Janalee, Janalyn, Johnelle, Jolynne, Kellene, Lenise, Raynette, Ronnette, Shanette, Waynette, Wendelyn, Candiss, Charnette, Chenise, Dawnette, Dennette, Levette, Loralyn, Tonnette, Malyn, Shannette, Danett, Deanette, Delrae, Denetta, Joleene, Kennette, Leanette, Leslyn, Ranette, Rayette, Sherlyne, Shonette
Brothers: Evan, Dylan, Gareth, Owen, Reese, Dewayne, Lydell, Lyndell, Ronell, Lenell, Lonzell, Johnel, Lynard, Shamond, Vonzell
