The name Charlette is a feminine form of the French name Charles, which is derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "peasant". The name Karl itself is thought to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "karla", meaning "man" or "husband".

The name Charles gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, thanks to the fame of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, who was the King of the Franks from 768 to 814 AD. Charlemagne was a dominant figure in Western Europe during his reign and was later canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.

The earliest recorded use of the name Charlette can be traced back to the 16th century in France. It was a diminutive form of the name Charles and was often used as a pet name or nickname for women named Charlene or Charlotte.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Charlette was Charlette de Rieux (1515-1570), a French noblewoman and the wife of Claude de Lorraine, Duke of Guise. She was known for her involvement in the French Wars of Religion and her support for the Catholic League.

Another notable Charlette was Charlette de Bourbon (1629-1693), a French princess and the daughter of Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano. She was a member of the House of Bourbon-Carignano and was known for her philanthropic work and patronage of the arts.

In the 18th century, Charlette Morin (1709-1782) was a French courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Marie Leszczyńska, the wife of King Louis XV of France. She was known for her influence at the French court and her involvement in various court intrigues.

In the 19th century, Charlette de Bellocq (1824-1893) was a French painter and artist who was known for her portraits and genre paintings. She exhibited her work at the Paris Salon and received several awards and honors for her artistic achievements.

Another notable Charlette from the 19th century was Charlette Behrens (1838-1920), a German-American actress and singer who performed in numerous operas and theatrical productions in Germany and the United States. She was particularly known for her roles in Wagner's operas and was praised for her vocal abilities and stage presence.