The name Evette is a French feminine form of the masculine name Éveque, which is derived from the Late Latin word "episcopus," meaning "bishop" or "overseer." The name Éveque itself traces its roots back to the ancient Greek word "episkopos," composed of "epi" (over) and "skopos" (watcher or overseer).

The earliest known use of the name Evette can be traced back to the 12th century in France. It was commonly used as a French variation of the name Eve, which has its origins in the Hebrew name Chavvah, meaning "life-giver" or "mother of all living."

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Evette can be found in the medieval French epic poem "The Song of Roland," which dates back to around 1100 AD. In this literary work, there is a character named Evette, although details about her role or significance are scarce.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Evette. One of the earliest was Evette de Navarre (1245-1305), a French noblewoman and the daughter of King Thibaut I of Navarre. Another notable bearer of the name was Evette Salbert (1572-1638), a French nun and foundress of the Daughters of the Cross religious order.

In the 19th century, Evette Hasenohr (1886-1966) was a French artist and painter known for her impressionistic landscapes and portraits. Additionally, Evette Renée Edwards (1834-1909) was an American writer and activist who advocated for women's rights and temperance.

Moving into the 20th century, Evette Schweers (1908-1987) was a Dutch-born American actress and singer who appeared in several Broadway musicals and films. She was known for her roles in productions such as "Anything Goes" and "Panama Hattie."