The name Linette is derived from the French word "linotte," which means a small bird known as the linnet or common linnet. The linnet bird is native to Europe and found across the continent. The name can be traced back to the 17th century when it first appeared as a feminine form of the French name Lin, which itself comes from the Latin name Linus.

Linette was a relatively uncommon name in historical records, but it did appear in various literary works. One of the earliest known mentions of the name was in the 1684 French play "La Princesse de Clèves" by Madame de La Fayette, where a character named Linette is briefly mentioned. The name also appeared in the 1789 novel "Les Liaisons dangereuses" (Dangerous Liaisons) by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Linette was Linette de Rochefort, a French noblewoman who lived in the late 16th century. She was a lady-in-waiting at the court of King Henry IV of France. Another notable figure was Linette Freres, a French painter and engraver who lived from 1788 to 1848 and was known for her portraits and landscapes.

In the 19th century, Linette Muir (1835-1916) was a Scottish novelist and poet who wrote several works of fiction and poetry. Another Linette of note was Linette Fedder (1859-1938), a Danish actress and singer who performed in numerous stage productions and operas in Denmark and Sweden.

In more recent history, Linette Beaumont (1919-1998) was a British actress and singer who appeared in several films and television shows in the mid-20th century. She is perhaps best remembered for her role in the 1951 film "The Man in the White Suit."

While not as common as some other names, Linette has maintained a presence throughout history, appearing in various literary works and carried by individuals in different fields, from art and literature to the performing arts.