Holding steady.
Popularity of Tonette since 1939
Babies named Tonette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 59 |
| 1950s | 295 |
| 1960s | 556 |
| 1970s | 330 |
| 1980s | 181 |
| 1990s | 77 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tonette is a mid-20th century American coinage, first recorded in 1939. It enjoyed its peak popularity in 1967, but by 2025 it no longer appears in the top 1,000 names, reflecting a broader decline in -ette suffixed names. The name has remained stable in usage since its peak, neither disappearing entirely nor regaining popularity. While not tied to any specific region or state, Tonette fits the stylistic trend of the mid-century, alongside names like Annette and Colette. Its simple, soft sound and connection to Tony give it a friendly, approachable feel, though it has become increasingly rare.
Tonette is a modern coinage, likely arising as a feminine diminutive of Tony, itself a short form of Anthony. It follows a pattern of adding the French-derived suffix -ette to create a ‘little’ or feminine form. The name saw its peak usage in the 1960s in the United States, particularly in 1967, but has since become rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Toni, Nettie
Sibling names for Tonette
Names that share Tonette's style, for a brother or sister.
