Some time ago, I wondered online at nameberry if -ette and -etta names were becoming more popular and might not be about to become a small trend.
Everything from [name_f]Marietta[/name_f] to [name_f]Georgette[/name_f] to [name_f]Colette[/name_f] to [name_f]Jeannette[/name_f] to [name_f]Paulette[/name_f] to [name_f]Odette[/name_f] to [name_f]Minuet[/name_f] to [name_f]Coretta[/name_f] to [name_f]Jamesetta[/name_f] to just plain [name_f]Etta[/name_f].
What do you think?
I can see that many of these are dusty or dated while others feel fresher. I don’t necessarily like diminutives, but there is a certain charm to some of these I think.
Vintage names are definitely in at the moment, and seemingly everyone is after rarity, so in theory all of these names are eligible for a comeback as I think public awareness of them being an ‘untapped resource’ is spreading. However, when it comes to the old-fashioned names (especially for girls), most people tend to favour more generically or stereotypical ‘pretty’ ones. So with that in mind, names like [name_f]Odette[/name_f], [name_f]Georgette[/name_f] and [name_f]Marietta[/name_f] will likely start to pick up more of a following over the next few years - especially since [name_m]French[/name_m] or [name_m]French[/name_m]-esque names are largely considered to be realistically exotic as well as rather classy.
But the heavier, more phonetically cumbersome choices along the lines of [name_f]Jamesette[/name_f], [name_f]Bernadette[/name_f], Ronette etc. will probably continue to be ignored for another long while, as they just don’t have the light, elegant, chic and slimline vibe that people are currently looking for. Which is unfortunate since I personally think that they have a lot of character and distinction but, given time, I think that ‘frumpy’ names will probably make a comeback too.
The most popular girl names today still tend to end in just ‘a’, so I’d quite like to see a resurgence of all things ‘-ette’ and ‘-etta’ to bring about a bit more variety.
I’m not sure if this trend has gone to the general population yet - I could see, at least in the US, [name_f]Etta[/name_f] becoming the new [name_f]Ella[/name_f]. Though it’s not in the top 1,000 yet so some time from now. I think [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] (#199 in the US) is the only -ette name that’s currently “mainstream” in the US.
I do think choices like [name_f]Odette[/name_f] (more obscure but probably seen as stylish to many; I think the [name_f]Swan[/name_f] [name_u]Lake[/name_u] association helps), [name_f]Colette[/name_f] (slowly gaining popularity but still in the 400’s), [name_f]Violette[/name_f] / [name_f]Violetta[/name_f] (I’m not sure about these in the US - a lot of people seem to think they are just “frilly” versions of [name_f]Violet[/name_f]), [name_f]Elisabetta[/name_f] (I don’t know if I could see this one being mainstream but def. more popular) & even [name_f]Cosette[/name_f] (similar to [name_f]Colette[/name_f] but a softer sound). [name_f]Coretta[/name_f] is another one I could see parents loving in the US because of [name_f]Coretta[/name_f] [name_m]Scott[/name_m] [name_m]King[/name_m]. Though I’ll admit this one sorta has a slightly dated feel - tied to the 50’s & 60’s because of this association.
[QUOTE=aldabellaxwulfe;4032439]Vintage names are definitely in at the moment, and seemingly everyone is after rarity, so in theory all of these names are eligible for a comeback as I think public awareness of them being an ‘untapped resource’ is spreading. However, when it comes to the old-fashioned names (especially for girls), most people tend to favour more generically or stereotypical ‘pretty’ ones. So with that in mind, names like [name_f]Odette[/name_f], [name_f]Georgette[/name_f] and [name_f]Marietta[/name_f] will likely start to pick up more of a following over the next few years - especially since [name_m]French[/name_m] or [name_m]French[/name_m]-esque names are largely considered to be realistically exotic as well as rather classy.
But the heavier, more phonetically cumbersome choices along the lines of [name_f]Jamesette[/name_f], [name_f]Bernadette[/name_f], Ronette etc. will probably continue to be ignored for another long while, as they just don’t have the light, elegant, chic and slimline vibe that people are currently looking for. Which is unfortunate since I personally think that they have a lot of character and distinction but, given time, I think that ‘frumpy’ names will probably make a comeback too.
Interesting response. I agree about the [name_m]French[/name_m] names being more likely to rise than say, Ronette, which is to me (no offense) pretty hideous.
I also agree with being a bit tired of the -a ending for girls’ names, though I do love a million -a ending girls’ names. Maybe some -ettes and -ettas would mix it up a bit. Also, I am very tired of the whole -ella/;ella sound.
Interesting - I agree with your assessments. I love [name_f]Concetta[/name_f], [name_f]Harriet[/name_f], [name_f]Henrietta[/name_f], [name_f]Minuet[/name_f], [name_f]Claret[/name_f], [name_f]Lettie[/name_f], and [name_f]Nettie[/name_f], and I confess to a strange fondness for one of my mom’s 1950’s friends name: [name_f]Joetta[/name_f]>