Colette first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Colette has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Colette

A feminine French name meaning "victory of the people".

Popularity of Colette by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Colette is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 695 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Colette.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 695
2022 0 697
2021 0 686
2020 0 568
2019 0 628
2018 0 587
2017 0 584
2016 0 675
2015 0 597
2014 0 590
2013 0 458
2012 0 426
2011 0 240
2010 0 208
2009 0 208
2008 0 190
2007 0 152
2006 0 161
2005 0 150
2004 0 154
2003 0 135
2002 0 151
2001 0 182
2000 0 182
1999 0 179
1998 0 121
1997 0 142
1996 0 159
1995 0 166
1994 0 134
1993 0 134
1992 0 125
1991 0 138
1990 0 128
1989 0 147
1988 0 155
1987 0 146
1986 0 182
1985 0 245
1984 0 196
1983 0 177
1982 0 192
1981 0 161
1980 0 190
1979 0 171
1978 0 179
1977 0 191
1976 0 191
1975 0 230
1974 0 251

The history of the first name Colette

The name Colette has its origins in the French language, derived from the Latin word "Nicoletta," a diminutive form of "Nicolaus," meaning "victory of the people." This name gained prominence during the Middle Ages in France and other parts of Europe.

Colette is believed to have been initially used as a pet form of the name Nicole, which was a popular name among French nobility and royalty. Over time, it evolved into a distinct name in its own right.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Colette can be found in the life of Saint Colette of Corbie, a Franciscan nun born in Corbie, France, in 1381. She was instrumental in reforming the Poor Clares order and establishing several monasteries throughout France and the Netherlands.

In the literary world, the most famous bearer of the name Colette is undoubtedly the French novelist and performer, Colette (1873-1954). Her real name was Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, and she wrote several acclaimed works, including the novel "Gigi" and the memoir "Claudine."

Another notable Colette was Colette Audry (1906-1990), a French writer, and activist known for her works exploring feminist themes and championing women's rights.

In the world of music, Colette Maze (1914-2003) was a renowned French soprano who performed with the Paris Opera and other prestigious opera houses throughout Europe.

Colette Renard (1924-2010) was a French actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the popular series "Les Rois Maudits."

Throughout history, the name Colette has been associated with strength, resilience, and a spirit of independence, often embodied by the remarkable women who bore this name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Colette was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Colette, please contact us.

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"Colette first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on November 4, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/colette-meaning-and-history/.

"Colette first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/colette-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 4 November, 2024

Colette first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/colette-meaning-and-history/.

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