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 #1266 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Odette Rose
Floral · soft ending
Odette Mae
Sweet · timeless
Odette Claire
French influence · crisp
Odette Jane
Literary · strong
Odette Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Odette right now?
Rising — up 47 spots — currently #1266 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 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 | ▼ down 1181 · -40% births |
| 1970 | #2472 | 30 | ▼ down 307 |
| 1965 | #2165 | 30 | — |
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 | 143 | |
💎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 OW2 D EH1 T. 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.