The name Claudette derives from the Roman family name Claudius, which itself originated from the Latin word claudus, meaning "lame" or "crippled." The name gained prominence during the Roman imperial period, with several notable figures bearing the name.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Claudette can be found in the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, a French noblewoman named Claudette de Rethel was recorded as the wife of Raoul I, Count of Soissons. This early mention suggests that the name was already in use as a feminine form of Claudius.

During the Renaissance, the name Claudette gained popularity in France and other parts of Europe. A notable figure from this period was Claudette Labé, a 16th-century French Renaissance poet and feminist writer. Born in Lyon in 1520, she is considered one of the first modern female poets to explore themes of female sexuality and desire in her works.

In the 17th century, Claudette Bouret, a French actress and dancer, graced the stage of the Comédie-Française in Paris. She was renowned for her performances in comedic roles and is mentioned in several contemporary accounts of the Parisian theater scene.

The 19th century saw the name Claudette gain popularity in the United States, with several notable figures bearing the name. Claudette Colbert, an American actress born in 1905, was a leading lady in Hollywood's Golden Age. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1934 film "It Happened One Night."

Another famous Claudette from the 20th century was Claudette Colvin, an African American pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1955, at the age of 15, she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, predating the famous act of defiance by Rosa Parks later that year.

The name Claudette has a rich history, spanning various cultures and time periods. From its Roman origins to its Renaissance revival and its adoption in the modern era, the name has been borne by notable figures in literature, theater, film, and social activism, adding to its cultural significance.