What does Annette mean and where does it come from?
Annette is of French origin, stemming from the name Anna, which has roots in Hebrew (חַנָּה, Hannah). It first appeared in the 18th century and gained popularity in the 19th century. The name has variations in many languages and has been borne by famous figures such as writer Annette von Droste-Hüls
Cultural significance
Annette has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little anna.
Peak popularity
Reached #62 in 1960 — currently #1339 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Annette?
Annette works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Annette Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Annette Rose
Floral · soft ending
Annette Mae
Sweet · timeless
Annette Claire
French influence · crisp
Annette Jane
Literary · strong
Annette Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Annette right now?
Holding steady — currently #1339 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1339 | 861 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1344 | 841 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1349 | 811 | ▼ down 83 · +363% births |
| 2020 | #1266 | 175 | ▲ up 79 · -1% births |
| 2015 | #1345 | 176 | ▼ down 320 · -28% births |
| 2010 | #1025 | 244 | ▼ down 251 · -28% births |
| 2005 | #774 | 341 | ▼ down 29 · +10% births |
| 2000 | #745 | 309 | ▼ down 98 · -7% births |
| 1995 | #647 | 334 | ▼ down 136 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #511 | 470 | ▼ down 152 · -28% births |
| 1985 | #359 | 656 | ▼ down 96 · -32% births |
| 1980 | #263 | 970 | ▼ down 76 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #187 | 1,363 | ▼ down 59 · -53% births |
| 1970 | #128 | 2,890 | ▼ down 57 · -45% births |
| 1965 | #71 | 5,259 | — |
The story of Annette
Annette has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #62 in 1960. More than 168,940 babies have been named Annette since 1880. Once ranked #295 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1339 in 2023. Annette is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Annette in 1960:
Annette by decade
Annette peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 400 | |
| 1890s | 780 | |
| 1900s | 1,322 | |
| 1910s | 5,595 | |
| 1920s | 8,251 | |
| 1930s | 13,605 | |
| 1940s | 19,247 | |
| 1950s | 35,420 | |
| 1960s ★ | 52,092 | |
| 1970s | 16,119 | |
| 1980s | 7,127 | |
| 1990s | 3,541 | |
| 2000s | 3,266 | |
| 2010s | 2,000 | |
| 2020s | 175 | |
What are good nicknames for Annette?
What names sound and feel like Annette?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Annette also consider these
How is Annette written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Annette
What does the name Annette mean?
Annette means "Little Anna" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Annette?
Annette is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Annette?
Annette originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Annette?
Annette is a two-syllable name pronounced AH0 N EH1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Annette a common or rare name?
Annette is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.