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Jeanette

Girl name · 100 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Jeanette: 100 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 15 births in 1975.

Jeanette is a feminine French diminutive of Jeanne, itself derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." The name arrived in Scotland via the Scots form Janet, with Jeanette emerging as a stylish French-influenced variant in the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable bearers include American singer and actress Jeanette MacDonald, whose soaring soprano lit up Hollywood musicals of the 1930s, and English novelist Jeanette Winterson, author of *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit*. Etymologically, Jeanette shares its root with John, a name that inspired countless place-names worldwide, from St John’s in Newfoundland to scores of Scottish churches. A further note: Jeanette was particularly popular in Scotland during the mid-20th century, reflecting the enduring appeal of names that balance elegance with a familiar, friendly sound.