Holding steady.
Popularity of Minette since 1893
Babies named Minette per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1968, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Minette's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 10 |
| 1900s | 31 |
| 1910s | 94 |
| 1920s | 82 |
| 1930s | 29 |
| 1940s | 52 |
| 1950s | 98 |
| 1960s | 131 |
| 1970s | 112 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 7 |
| 2010s | 25 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Minette is a French diminutive that entered U.S. records in 1893, though it has never been common. Its peak year was 1908, and since then its usage has remained extremely low, with no births recorded in many recent years. The name carries a gentle, affectionate quality that appealed to early 20th-century parents, but it never achieved widespread popularity. Its stable trajectory means it occasionally reemerges without dramatic spikes, making it a distinct choice for families seeking a name with French charm and historical roots.
Minette is a French feminine diminutive, derived from the word "minet" meaning "darling" or "kitty." It originated as an affectionate term, akin to "petite" (small) and "ma mie" (my dear), and evolved into a given name in the 19th century. Historically, it saw moderate use in France and Francophone regions before appearing in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Minnie, Mina, Mimi
Variants: Minette, Mineta
Sibling names for Minette
Names that share Minette's style, for a brother or sister.
