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Paulette

♀ Girl

Pronounced paw-LET /pɔːˈlɛt/Low

Meaning: Small, humble; little PaulLow

In 30 seconds: Paulette is the French diminutive of Paula meaning small or humble from the Latin Paulus. A charming mid-century French name, it carries Parisian sophistication and the warmth of a diminutive in its two crisp syllables.
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Origin LowFrench, Latin
MeaningSmall, humble; little Paul
U.S. rank (2024)#1410 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births158 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1948
Total births (all-time)≈ 46,947

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194819072024

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

History & Origin

Paulette derives from the French diminutive of Paul, from the Latin Paulus meaning small or humble. Paul was the name taken by the apostle Saul of Tarsus, and Paula/Paulette carries his apostolic legacy in a charming French feminine form.

Paulette was popular in mid-20th century France and among French-influenced communities worldwide. In the United States it carries a warm retro French flavor that is beginning to feel fresh again.

Did you know? Paulette Goddard, Charlie Chaplin's wife and one of Hollywood's most glamorous stars of the 1930s-1940s, made this name synonymous with wit and independent spirit at the height of the Golden Age.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Paulette

Variations

PaulaPaulinePaule

Nicknames

LettieLette

Famous Bearers

  • ★Paulette Goddard (1910-1990)
    American actress of Hollywood's Golden Age, leading lady in Modern Times and wife of Charlie Chaplin

If you like Paulette…

Colette— French -ette name of same tradition and era
Annette— French -ette diminutive of same vintage
Josette— French -ette feminine name of same generation
Nicolette— French -ette name of same Parisian elegance

Frequently Asked

What does Paulette mean?

Paulette means small or little Paul as the French diminutive of Paula from the Latin Paulus meaning small.

Is Paulette a French name?

Yes, Paulette is a French diminutive of Paula and carries a distinctly Parisian character.

How do you pronounce Paulette?

Paulette is pronounced paw-LET with two syllables.

What names are similar to Paulette?

Similar French -ette names include Colette, Annette, and Josette.