Colette
Colette is a girls' name of French origin meaning “victory of the people.” It ranked #316 in the United States in 2025. Inseparable from the great French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, who scandalized and enchanted Belle Époque Paris.
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how do you pronounce Colette?
koh-LET
where does the name Colette come from?
Colette began as a French diminutive of Nicole.
The name embodies literary sophistication, feminine independence, and unapologetic individuality. It has seen a strong revival in English-speaking countries.
how popular is this name?
Colette has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 74 years since 1924, and fell outside it for 28. It peaked at #316 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #316 |
| 2024 | #401 |
| 2023 | #442 |
| 2022 | #452 |
| 2021 | #456 |
| 2020 | #531 |
| 2019 | #497 |
| 2018 | #535 |
| 2017 | #529 |
| 2016 | #470 |
| 1980 | #824 |
| 1970 | #501 |
| 1960 | #426 |
| 1950 | #596 |
| 1940 | #820 |
| 1930 | #889 |
| 1924 | #999 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Colette fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Colette
Saint Colette of Corbie (1381-1447) was a canonized Roman Catholic saint, and the name has been borne by many later French and francophone women.
who are famous people named Colette?
- Colette (novelist, author of Gigi and the Claudine series)
- Colette Besson (French Olympic sprinter)
what names are similar to Colette?
what names go well with Colette?
Sibling names that share Colette's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Colette
What does the name Colette mean?
Colette means “victory of the people”.
What is the origin of the name Colette?
Colette comes from the French naming tradition.
How popular is the name Colette?
Colette ranked #316 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #316, and it has spent 74 years in the top 1,000 since 1924.
Is Colette a boy or girl name?
Colette is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Colette?
Colette is pronounced koh-LET, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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