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Annette

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-NET /æˈnɛt/Low

Meaning: Grace, favor, graciousLow

In 30 seconds: Annette is the charming French diminutive of Anne or Anna, carrying the Hebrew meaning of grace or favor. Popular in mid-20th-century America, it carries a sweet, vintage elegance associated with classic French style.
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Origin LowFrench, Hebrew
MeaningGrace, favor, gracious
U.S. rank (2024)#1304 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births176 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1960
Total births (all-time)≈ 169,146

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196018802024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Annette derives from the French diminutive of Anne, itself from the Hebrew Channah meaning grace. The -ette suffix is the French diminutive, making Annette little Anne. It has been used in France since the medieval period and spread throughout the English-speaking world in the 20th century.

Annette was popular in the United States from the 1930s through the 1960s, closely associated with actress Annette Funicello. It has a warmly vintage feel today while remaining clearly feminine and easy to pronounce in multiple languages.

Did you know? Annette Funicello, the beloved Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club and star of 1960s beach movies, made this name iconic for a generation of American baby boomers and remains one of its most famous bearers.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Annette

Variations

AnnettaAnetteAneta

Nicknames

AnnieNettieNet

Famous Bearers

  • ★Annette Funicello (1942–2013)
    American actress and singer, original Mouseketeer and beach-movie star
  • ★Annette Bening (1958–present)
    American actress and multiple Academy Award nominee

If you like Annette…

Antoinette— French -ette diminutive of same era
Jeannette— French -ette feminine name of same family
Colette— French -ette name with similar vintage charm
Nanette— French diminutive of similar sound and feel

Frequently Asked

What does Annette mean?

Annette means grace or favor, from the Hebrew Channah through the French diminutive form of Anne.

Is Annette a French name?

Yes, Annette is a French diminutive of Anne, meaning little Anne, and has been used in France since the Middle Ages.

How do you pronounce Annette?

Annette is pronounced ah-NET, with two syllables and stress on the second.

Who is famous named Annette?

The most famous Annette is Annette Funicello, the beloved Mouseketeer and 1960s beach movie star, and actress Annette Bening.