Jeanette Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Jeanette is a French name derived from the diminutive of Jeanne, which means 'God is gracious.' It has evolved through various forms, starting from Yochanan in Hebrew to its modern usage. The name is associated with charm and elegance, though it has seen a decline in popularity. It has no direct biblical relevance but is connected through its roots in the name John. Notable figures include actress Jeanette MacDonald and author Jeanette Winterson.
The name Jeanette is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Jeanette has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Jeanette' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4523rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2321st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3428th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3907th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6706th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 144th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 109th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 152nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 205th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 305th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1143rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2337th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Jeanette' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Jeanette"
Pronunciation
/dʒəˈnɛt/
Origin
French
Etymology
Jeanette is a diminutive form of the name Jeanne, which is the French feminine form of John. The name John itself derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.'
Meaning
God is gracious
Language Evolution
Yochanan (Hebrew), Ioannes (Greek), Johannes (Latin), Jeanne (Old French), Jeanette (Modern French)
Historical Usage
The name Jeanette gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in French-speaking regions and later in English-speaking countries, often seen as a charming and feminine name.
Variants & Derivatives
Jean, Jeanne, Janet, Janette, Jannette
Modern Popularity & Image
Jeanette is perceived as a classic and elegant name, though its popularity has declined in recent decades. It carries a vintage charm and is often associated with kindness and grace.
Famous People
Jeanette MacDonald, an American singer and actress, Jeanette Winterson, a British author, Jeanette Lee, an American professional pool player
Explore More Jeanette Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Jeanette"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Jeanette"
"Jeanette" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4523rd of 7545 | 44 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2321st of 6773 | 190 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3428th of 7552 | 106 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3907th of 10718 | 112 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6706th of 16616 | 85 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 144th of 9107 | 29,339 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 109th of 9204 | 43,409 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 152nd of 12526 | 46,605 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 205th of 19264 | 23,316 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 305th of 27321 | 13,972 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1143rd of 35406 | 3,274 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2337th of 30306 | 947 |
Regional Popularity of "Jeanette" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
39.51% 2496th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Jeanette" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
7.34% 104th/1416 |
8.63% 119th/1379 |
8.58% 203rd/2366 |
13.49% 154th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
5.30% 82nd/1546 |
7.13% 111th/1556 |
5.40% 127th/2353 |
6.53% 101st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.69% 149th/2227 |
6.79% 165th/2430 |
5.26% 150th/2853 |
5.12% 142nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.18% 211th/2937 |
4.62% 161st/3483 |
7.11% 250th/3518 |
4.28% 173rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
10.09% 372nd/3685 |
6.91% 309th/4475 |
7.41% 385th/5194 |
3.40% 215th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
29.33% 1344th/4582 |
22.62% 1168th/5164 |
19.14% 1400th/7313 |
11.27% 841st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
66.44% 2647th/3984 |
53.49% 2400th/4487 |
37.91% 2586th/6822 |
31.25% 1961st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Jeanette"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Jeanette" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.