Et, Ette and Etta
Names beginning and ending with Et, Ette and Etta are selectively coming back around.
Seven ‘ET’ names round out the top 150. Ethan, Scarlett, Violet, Everett, Bennett, Emmett and Margaret. Today Et/Ette names are not very common but still very familiar to the ear.
Etta itself has even come back into style ranking at 927 in 2020. A big leap from the year prior when it was completely off the charts. Leading to “Etta” names being even more unseen in today’s baby announcements, minus Greta and Loretta.
In our family these extraordinary “et” names are more common than you’d think. They’ve left their footprint on the last four generations becoming an unplanned tradition. Will their be a fifth? At the moment, only time will tell but I know there are plenty of choices to choose from.
Oh Sweet, Etta
Arletta - This Gaelic, Irish name is a modern day variation of Arlene meaning “oath”. Arletta Duncan was an actress in the 1930’s staring in eleven films throughout her career.
Diletta - Diletta is an Italian name meaning “beloved”. A unfamiliar choice outside of Italy.
Greta - This German variation of Margaret was awarded Personal Name of the Year by the American Name Society in 2019 thanks to Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Henrietta - Henry entered the top 10 in 2020, but what about his female counterpart? Henrietta remains unranked but has a lot of history and vintage charm. Henrietta is a more formal version of Harriett. We’d like to suggest the sweet nickname Hattie.
Loretta - Coal Miners Daughter Loretta Lynn is the one of the most well known southern bells around. Her career spans over six decades with 60 albums under her belt and she’s still going strong today. Her last album was released on March 19th of this year.
Lucetta - Lucy plus Etta gets you lovely Lucetta. This gorgeous combination of these two mini monikers make our hearts swoon.
Rosetta - While this name is often associated with the company Rosetta Stone, it is also the Italian diminutive of Rosa. Completely usable in our opinion, especially if you’re searching for a Rosie name.
Zanetta - Zany Zanetta is one of the rarest names on this list, and one of my favorites. Zanetta is of Spanish origin meaning “God’s gift”. I think this name could be a unique twist on the rising names Zane and Zayn.
ET Begins & Ends”
Ayelet - Taken from the Hebrew phrase “Ayelet Hashachar” translating to “Gazelle of Dawn”, has a strong Jewish heritage. The gazelle of dawn is a poetic phrase describing the morning star. A nature meaning with cosmic ties - sign me up! This name is pronounced EYE eh let, similar to Violet.
Etienne - An unique way to honor Stephen; this French originated name means “Crowned Garland”. While this name is typically masculine it does pose a feminine feel in modern day.
Garnet - Gem names Ruby, Amethyst and Opal have been getting a lot of buzz lately. Don’t leave January’s birthstone out. Similar to Garrett and Garner, this rich red stone is coming in hot, holding a torch of its own.
Juliet - We’ve been checking yes to Juliet since the mid 2000’s. Did the song influence popularity? Dare we say, yes. The name has been on the rise sine the alternative anthem came out in ‘07. Ranking the highest in 2017, marking the decade anniversary. Feel old yet? I know I do.
Monet - Famous French painter Claude Monet was one of the founders of Impressionism. Painting landscapes and nature as he perceived it, transforming the second half of the nineteenth century.
Poet - This literary name became the talk of the town when “Punky Brewster” named her daughter this in 2005. Since then, many literal literacy names have entered the spotlight; Fable, Novella and Sonnet to name a few.
Velvet - Vivacious, regal and sultry are words that have been used to describe this luxurious fabric, but have you ever considered it as a name? Eight girls were named Velvet in 2020.
Winslet - Whimsical Winslet has taken inspiration from British star Kate. This nature themed surname has grown in consideration as a first name over the last few years. Given other “win-” names, Winifred, Winslow and Winston, I am surprised Winslet isn’t more popular.
The love of ETTE names
Annette - Authentic Ann names never fall short of grace. Anna, Anastasia, Annabelle, Anya, Annalise, Analia, Annika and Anais all currently rank in the top 1,000. French form Annette isn’t far behind in style, however it is in popularity. This name gained popularity in the 50’s due to actress Annette Funicello but has since decreased overtime. It’s one of those names that are widely recognizable and yet vastly uncommon. For me, this name is due for a revival quite soon, alongside anagram Nanette.
Bernadette - If clunky vintage is your vibe then Bernadette is the winner. Bernadette brings two people to mind; Saint Bernadette and Bernadette Rostenkowski. Even with a modern pop culture reference, I don’t see this name returning to the charts anytime soon.
Colette - Colette reigns victorious sitting in the sweet spot on todays charts at 529. This chic French favorite is a beautiful way to honor a Nicholas, Nicolette or Collin in your life. I see this name increasing in the years to come thanks to the late YouTube star Landon Clifford who named his daughter Collette Briar in 2018.
Lynette - Lynette last ranked in the top 1,000 in 1994 at exactly that - 1,000. This name shares the favorable “Lyn” part with chart toppers Evelyn, Brooklyn, Madelyn and Raelynn, yet seems to take a backrow seat compared to songbird Linnet and glowing Lunette. There were only 77 girls named Lynette in 2020.
Marionette - Marionette dolls were invented by Thomas Holden in the mid 19th century. These string puppets were often used to depict biblical events. Most notably the Virgin Mary, hence where these dolls got their name.
Minette - While this name screams French vibes all the way, it is extremely rare in France and practically unheard of in the U.S. This name is a variation of Mary and Mina. Minette was used as a nickname for Henriette, the Duchess of Orleans and daughter of King Charles I.
Odette - One of the most sophisticated names on this list, Odette was the good swan in Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan lake.
Olivette - Oliver and Olivia have stood strong on the playground for years. A little twist in the ending makes this alternative a bold choice.