Holding steady.
Popularity of Willette since 1899
Babies named Willette per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 27 |
| 1910s | 144 |
| 1920s | 226 |
| 1930s | 183 |
| 1940s | 240 |
| 1950s | 412 |
| 1960s | 465 |
| 1970s | 264 |
| 1980s | 119 |
| 1990s | 33 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Willette is a rare feminine given name that enjoyed its greatest popularity in the mid-20th century. First recorded in 1899, it reached its peak in 1965, reflecting the era's fondness for -ette suffixed names. Since then, its trajectory has been stable, with minimal contemporary usage. The name never entered the national Top 1000, indicating a consistent but very low frequency. As a diminutive of William, it carries the meaning 'resolute protection,' aligning it with other vintage -ette names like Bernadette and Georgette. Its top states are not recorded, suggesting dispersed usage rather than regional concentration. Willette remains an obscure choice, favored by parents seeking an uncommon, vintage-sounding feminine name.
Willette is a feminine diminutive of William, derived from the Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). It emerged in the late 19th century as a variant of Wilhelmina and Wilma, following the popular -ette suffix trend. The name saw modest use in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Willie, Willa, Etta
Sibling names for Willette
Names that share Willette's style, for a brother or sister.
