A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Paulette since 1907
Babies named Paulette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 76 |
| 1920s | 314 |
| 1930s | 591 |
| 1940s | 15,902 |
| 1950s | 14,883 |
| 1960s | 7,430 |
| 1970s | 3,640 |
| 1980s | 1,227 |
| 1990s | 792 |
| 2000s | 403 |
| 2010s | 1,010 |
| 2020s | 814 |
Meaning & origin
Paulette entered the U.S. naming data in 1907, and its trajectory reflects mid-century tastes. The name reached its peak in 1946, when it was significantly more common. In recent decades, Paulette declined in use but has been gradually rising since 2005, hinting at a possible revival. Its popularity is most concentrated in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. Paulette's French origins and connection to the classic Paul give it a familiar yet distinctive feel, appealing to parents seeking a vintage name with a soft, elegant sound.
Paulette is the French feminine diminutive of Paul, derived from Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble'. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1940s. It has since declined but remains in occasional use, particularly in the United States and France.
Where Paulette 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.
“Paulette” around the world
Where Paulette 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: Paule, Paulette, Lettie
Sibling names for Paulette
Names that share Paulette's style, for a brother or sister.
