"priceless, praiseworthy"
Origin: Latin/Roman
Language: French
Antoinette
Pronunciation: [ antw-uhn-EHT ]
Girl Name
#2,881 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
4 Syllables
A regal French classic with royal history
French
Belgian
English
American
Caribbean
Elegant
Royal
Sophisticated
Vintage
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"feminine diminutive of Antoine/Anthony"
Origin: French
Language: French
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Marie Antoinette, the beheaded French queen — carries both glamour and tragic connotations
The Story of Antoinette
Antoinette is a French feminine diminutive of Antoine (the French form of Anthony), which derives from the Roman family name Antonius. The name's meaning traces back to the Latin 'antonius', possibly meaning 'priceless' or of Etruscan origin. The diminutive '-ette' suffix gives the name its distinctly French elegance. The name entered the royal courts of Europe through its association with the French aristocracy.
Antoinette peaked in French and American usage in the early 20th century. In the United States it was most popular in the 1920s-1950s, favored by families seeking an elegant European-sounding name. Globally, the name remains associated with Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, which both glamorizes and complicates its image.
The name is eternally associated with Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), the Austrian princess who became France's last queen before the Revolution and was guillotined in 1793. In Francophone Africa and the Caribbean, Antoinette remains a popular given name, particularly in Martinique, Guadeloupe, and the Republic of Congo.
Fun Facts
- Marie Antoinette was born Maria Antonia in Vienna in 1755; she adopted the French form upon marrying Louis XVI
- The phrase 'Let them eat cake' is often (incorrectly) attributed to Marie Antoinette but was never actually said by her
- Antoinette Perry is the namesake of the Tony Awards — America's top theater honor
Antoinette in Other Languages
Dutch
Antoinette
German
Antoinette
Italian
Antonietta
Spanish
Antonieta
Portuguese
Antonieta
Famous People Named Antoinette
A
Antoinette
Royalty
1899
Princess Antoinette of Monaco, sister of Prince Rainier III and aunt of Princess Grace
A
Antoinette Perry
Entertainer
1888
American actress and theater director, namesake of the Tony Awards for Broadway excellence
M
Marie Antoinette
Royalty
1755
Last Queen of France before the Revolution, married to King Louis XVI, executed by guillotine in 1793
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,881
- Total SSA Count
- 57
- Cultural Origins
- French Belgian English American Caribbean
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Toni
Annie
Nette
Tony
Pairs Well With
Antoinette Marie
Antoinette Rose
Antoinette Claire
Antoinette Louise
Antoinette Elise
Antoinette Simone
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Antoinette is also used as a boy name, ranked #10789.
View Antoinette as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Antoinette
What does the name Antoinette mean?
"priceless, praiseworthy" (from Latin/Roman). "feminine diminutive of Antoine/Anthony" (from French). Antoinette is a French feminine diminutive of Antoine (the French form of Anthony), which derives from the Roman family name Antonius. The name's meaning traces back to the Latin 'antonius', possibly meaning 'priceless' or of Etruscan origin. The diminutive '-ette' suffix gives the name its distinctly French elegance. The name entered the royal courts of Europe through its association with the French aristocracy.
What is the origin of the name Antoinette?
Antoinette has Latin/Roman, French, Belgian, English, American, and Caribbean origins. In Latin/Roman, it means "priceless, praiseworthy". In French, it means "feminine diminutive of Antoine/Anthony".
Is Antoinette a boy or girl name?
Antoinette is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2881. As a boy name, it is ranked #10789. Antoinette is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Antoinette?
Antoinette is pronounced antw-uhn-EHT.
How popular is the name Antoinette?
Antoinette is currently ranked #2881 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Antoinette?
Common nicknames for Antoinette include Toni, Annie, Nette, and Tony.
What are good middle names for Antoinette?
Popular middle name pairings include Antoinette Marie, Antoinette Rose, Antoinette Claire, Antoinette Louise, Antoinette Elise, and Antoinette Simone.
What are good sibling names for Antoinette?
Names that pair well with Antoinette as siblings include Celeste, Marguerite, Josephine, Henri, Francois, Isabelle, and Colette.
How many syllables does Antoinette have?
Antoinette has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Antoinette a common or rare name?
Antoinette is an uncommon name, ranked #2881 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Antoinette
Antoinette is a girl name with French, Belgian, English, American, and Caribbean origins . The name means "priceless, praiseworthy" in Latin/Roman .
Is Antoinette a boy or girl name? Antoinette is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,881 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #10,789. Antoinette is more commonly used as a girl name.
Antoinette is currently ranked #2,881 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Antoinette has 4 syllables and is pronounced antw-uhn-EHT, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Antoinette include Toni, Annie, Nette, and Tony. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Antoinette include Antonella, Antonia, Antonela . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.