Declining since 1985, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Nanette since 1892
Babies named Nanette per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nanette's real moment was 1963.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 19 |
| 1910s | 151 |
| 1920s | 491 |
| 1930s | 756 |
| 1940s | 1,481 |
| 1950s | 5,396 |
| 1960s | 5,670 |
| 1970s | 2,027 |
| 1980s | 473 |
| 1990s | 192 |
| 2000s | 114 |
| 2010s | 71 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Nanette is a French diminutive of Anne, carrying the classic meaning of 'grace' or 'favor' from its Hebrew roots. The name entered U.S. records in 1892 and enjoyed its peak popularity in 1963, ranking among the top 1000 names that year. Since then, it has been on a steady decline, described by the Social Security Administration as falling in usage since 1985. By 2025, it had dropped to rank 13,208, with only about 1 in every 267,878 newborn girls receiving the name. Though it never saw strong regional concentration in top states, its mid-century charm endears it to those seeking a vintage French-inspired choice.
Nanette is a French diminutive of Anne, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The suffix -ette is a common French feminine diminutive, giving the name a delicate, endearing quality. It came into use in English-speaking countries in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it saw a surge in popularity mid-20th century.
Where Nanette 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: Nan, Nanny, Nettie, Netta
Sibling names for Nanette
Names that share Nanette's style, for a brother or sister.
