Pleshette
A feminine diminutive form of the French surname Pleshet, of uncertain meaning.
Name Census estimates that about 187 living Americans carry the first name Pleshette. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Pleshette today is around 53 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Pleshette births was 1972 (25 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Pleshette. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
187
~ 1 in 1,832,911 Americans
Peak year
1972
25 babies that year
Average age
53
years old
1989 SSA rank
#11,918
Tracked since 1964
Popularity
Pleshette: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Pleshette from the 1960s through to the 1980s, spanning 3 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1970s, with 117 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1970s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Pleshette by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Pleshette during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Pleshettes live
Origin
Meaning and history of Pleshette
The name Pleshette is believed to have its origins in the French language, derived from the word "plaisir," which means "pleasure" or "delight." This name likely emerged during the Middle Ages, a period when many French names were introduced and gained popularity across Europe.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Pleshette can be traced back to the 12th century, when it appeared in a medieval French text referring to a character known for their joyful and pleasant nature. This early association with positivity and enjoyment may have contributed to the name's enduring appeal.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Pleshette. One of the most famous was Suzanne Pleshette (1937-2008), an American actress renowned for her roles in films such as "The Birds" and television shows like "The Bob Newhart Show." Her talent and charisma made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Another historical figure with the name Pleshette was Marie Pleshette (1890-1972), a French painter and sculptor who gained recognition for her avant-garde works during the early 20th century. Her bold artistic style and innovative techniques left a lasting impact on the art world.
In the realm of literature, Pleshette Dubois (1922-2003) was a celebrated French novelist and essayist whose thought-provoking works explored themes of identity, social commentary, and the human condition. Her writings resonated with readers across generations and garnered critical acclaim.
The name Pleshette also found its way into the world of classical music through the composer and pianist Pleshette Leclerc (1901-1987). Born in France, Leclerc's compositions were characterized by their intricate melodies and rich harmonies, earning him a place among the great musicians of his time.
Lastly, Pleshette Montague (1876-1951) was a notable British suffragette and activist who played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. Her unwavering dedication to the cause of gender equality and her tireless advocacy for women's rights left an indelible mark on history.
While the name Pleshette may not be as common as some other names, its unique origins and the remarkable individuals who have carried it throughout history have contributed to its enduring legacy and cultural significance.
People
Pleshette + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Pleshette as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with P
Other first names starting with P with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Pleshette: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Pleshette?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 187 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Pleshette going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 1,832,911 US residents.
Is Pleshette a common name?
We classify Pleshette as "Very Rare". It ranks above 73.3% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 210 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Pleshette most popular?
The single biggest year for Pleshette was 1972, when 25 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Pleshette is about 53 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Pleshette a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Pleshette in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.