What does Odette mean and where does it come from?
Odette is derived from the Old French name 'Odet', a diminutive of 'Hugh'. It gained popularity in part due to the character Odette in the ballet 'Swan Lake', which tells the story of a princess turned into a swan. The name has a timeless quality and is widely recognized in French-speaking countries
Cultural significance
Odette has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.
Peak popularity
Reached #846 in 1905 — currently #883 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Odette?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Odette?
Odette works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Odette Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Odette Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Odette Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Odette Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Odette Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Odette Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Odette right now?
Rising fast — up 333 spots — currently #883 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #883 | 303 | ▲ up 333 · +55% births |
| 2024 | #1216 | 195 | ▲ up 50 · +7% births |
| 2023 | #1266 | 182 | ▲ up 47 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #1313 | 180 | ▲ up 122 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #1435 | 150 | ▲ up 45 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #1480 | 143 | ▲ up 690 · +64% births |
| 2015 | #2170 | 87 | ▲ up 4474 · +358% births |
| 2010 | #6644 | 19 | ▼ down 2146 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #4498 | 30 | ▼ down 409 |
| 2000 | #4089 | 30 | ▼ down 292 · +7% births |
| 1995 | #3797 | 28 | ▲ up 5498 · +250% births |
| 1990 | #9295 | 8 | ▼ down 2798 · -20% births |
| 1985 | #6497 | 10 | ▼ down 921 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #5576 | 12 | ▼ down 1923 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #3653 | 18 | — |
The story of Odette
Odette has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. With 3,222 total births recorded, Odette remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1052 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1266 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Odette in 1905:
Odette by decade
Odette peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 45 | |
| 1900s | 90 | |
| 1910s | 195 | |
| 1920s | 299 | |
| 1930s | 155 | |
| 1940s | 154 | |
| 1950s | 292 | |
| 1960s | 299 | |
| 1970s | 204 | |
| 1980s | 135 | |
| 1990s | 172 | |
| 2000s | 338 | |
| 2010s ★ | 701 | |
| 2020s | 641 | |
💎With 3,222 total births, Odette is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Odette?
What names sound and feel like Odette?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Odette also consider these
How is Odette written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Odette?
Common questions about the name Odette
What does the name Odette mean?
Odette means "French" — 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 Odette?
Odette is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Odette have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Odette?
Odette 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 Odette?
Odette is a two-syllable name pronounced oh-DET. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Odette trending right now?
Odette is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.