Paulette is a French feminine diminutive form of the name Paula, which is derived from the ancient Roman family name Paulius or Paulus. The name Paulus can be traced back to the Latin word "paulus," meaning "small" or "humble." The name's origins can be traced back to the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire periods.

The name Paulette first appeared in medieval France, where it was a popular name among the nobility and upper classes. It was a common practice during that time to create diminutive forms of names by adding the suffix "-ette" to the root name. This practice was particularly prevalent in France and other parts of Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Paulette can be found in the records of the French royal court during the 13th century. It is believed that the name was used by members of the French aristocracy and may have been associated with a particular noble family or families.

In terms of historical figures, one notable bearer of the name Paulette was Paulette Duval (1619-1683), a French playwright and novelist who was part of the literary circle known as the "Précieuses." She wrote several plays and novels that were popular during her lifetime and helped shape the development of French literature in the 17th century.

Another notable Paulette was Paulette Goddard (1910-1990), an American actress who achieved fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She starred in several successful films, including "Modern Times" (1936) and "The Great Dictator" (1940), both of which were directed by Charlie Chaplin, with whom she had a long-term relationship.

In the world of fashion, Paulette Fallaise (1935-2022) was a French fashion designer and businesswoman who founded the luxury fashion brand Paulette. She was known for her elegant and sophisticated designs, which were popular among the French elite and celebrities.

Paulette McDonough (1901-1978) was an American silent film actress and dancer who appeared in several popular films during the 1920s. She was known for her comedic roles and her talent as a dancer.

Paulette Godard (1923-2000) was a French actress and singer who had a successful career in both film and music. She appeared in numerous French films during the 1950s and 1960s and also released several popular albums.