A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Nettie since 1880
Babies named Nettie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nettie's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5,313 |
| 1890s | 6,538 |
| 1900s | 5,680 |
| 1910s | 9,332 |
| 1920s | 8,992 |
| 1930s | 5,461 |
| 1940s | 3,729 |
| 1950s | 2,185 |
| 1960s | 908 |
| 1970s | 418 |
| 1980s | 295 |
| 1990s | 210 |
| 2000s | 138 |
| 2010s | 136 |
| 2020s | 108 |
Meaning & origin
Nettie is a vintage diminutive that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, reaching its peak popularity in 1881. After more than a century of decline, the name has been gradually rising again since 2012, reflecting a broader revival of late 19th-century names. Although still uncommon, it offers a soft, friendly sound with clear roots in classic longer names like Jeanette and Henrietta.
Nettie originated as a diminutive of names such as Annette, Jeanette, or Henrietta, all of which derive from the feminine form of John (via French Jeannette) or Henry. The name was especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often given as a standalone name rather than a nickname. Its use has declined sharply since its peak in the 1880s but has seen a small revival in recent years.
Where Nettie 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: Net, Nett
Sibling names for Nettie
Names that share Nettie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Minnie, Annie, Etta, Lottie, Mattie, Hettie, Jetta, Mozelle, Retta, Blanchie, Ettie, Hassie, Jeffie, Jettie, Kizzie, Luetta, Zettie, Berdie, Celie, Deetta, Ersie, Fleeta, Fronia, Fronie, Mettie, Mossie, Oneda, Vergia, Vinie, Doshia, Vessie, Chattie, Glessie, Ocia, Rettie
Brothers: Johnnie, Willie, Freddie, Tommy, Charlie, Vollie, Oather
