Marinette

Meaning & origin

Marinette is a rare feminine name with French origins, first recorded in the United States in 1961. The name gained some attention following the success of the animated series "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir", where the main character is named Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Despite this, the name has never been common. Its popularity peaked in 2023, ranking 9,457th in 2025, with a 1 in 160,727 incidence among newborn girls. Since 2022, its usage has been falling. Marinette has not been recorded frequently enough to identify top states or similar names. The name is typically seen as a French diminutive of Marine or Marie, connecting it to maritime or biblical roots. As a modern choice, it carries a whimsical and distinctive feel, appealing to fans of the character or those seeking a unique French name.

Marinette is a diminutive form that likely derives from Marine, the French feminine form of Marin, meaning 'of the sea' or 'sailor'. Alternatively, it may be a French diminutive of Marie, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved' or 'wished-for child'. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1961 and saw increased usage following the popularity of the animated character Marinette Dupain-Cheng in the series "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir", which premiered in 2015. However, the name remains rare.