Nanette is a charming and unique French given name with an intriguing history and meaning. Derived from the French word "nanette," which itself comes from the Occitan language of southern France, Nanette means "little Anna." This moniker is essentially a diminutive form of Anne or Anna, which are both derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor."
The origins of Nanette can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France. As with many given names during this time period, Nanette was likely used as a term of endearment or familiarity for young girls named Anne or Anna. Over time, it evolved into an independent given name in its own right.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Nanette. For instance, French painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze had a daughter named Nanette, who inspired some of his most famous portraits. Additionally, the 18th-century French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau wrote an opera titled "Nanine," which is believed to be based on a young woman named Nanette.
Despite its historical roots and notable figures associated with it, Nanette remains relatively uncommon today. This contributes to its unique charm and allure as a given name choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet timeless for their child. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in classic French names like Nanette among expectant parents around the world.
The name Nanette has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were fewer than 10 births per year with this name, ranging from just 5 births in 1892 to 14 births in 1914.
The 1920s saw a significant increase in popularity for Nanette, peaking at 73 births in 1925. This trend continued into the 1930s, with a steady rise in popularity, reaching 125 births in 1941.
World War II brought another surge in popularity for Nanette. The years 1946 to 1950 saw a significant increase in newborn girls named Nanette, with over 250 births each year. The name reached its peak popularity during this period, with 364 births in 1950 and 420 births in 1951.
However, the popularity of Nanette began to decline after the 1950s. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 400 babies were named Nanette each year. This trend continued throughout the remainder of the century, with fewer than 100 births per year since 1983.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in popularity for the name Nanette. Between 2016 and 2023, an average of about 9 babies were named Nanette each year.
Overall, while Nanette has had periods of significant popularity throughout history, it is currently not one of the more common names given to newborn girls in the United States. As of 2023, a total of 16,887 births with the name Nanette have been recorded in the U.S.