"idol, image"
Lynette
Pronunciation: [ l-eyen-EHT ]
An Arthurian heroine's name with timeless Welsh roots
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, the Manson Family member who attempted to assassinate President Ford in 1975
The Story of Lynette
Lynette appears in Arthurian legend as a spirited noblewoman in Alfred Lord Tennyson's 'Gareth and Lynette' (1872), part of his epic 'Idylls of the King.' The name derives from the Welsh Eluned or Luned — meaning idol or image — filtered through Old French into the graceful Lynette. Tennyson's portrayal of her as a brave, witty heroine who initially scorns then champions the knight Gareth helped the name gain Victorian popularity.
Lynette peaked in mid-20th century English-speaking countries, riding the wave of Arthurian-themed naming that followed Victorian literature. It is now considered a vintage name with appeal for those who love its literary heritage.
In Welsh tradition, the root name Luned appears in the 13th-century Mabinogion as a magical figure who helps the knight Owain, giving the name a double Arthurian legacy spanning Welsh myth and Tennysonian epic.
Fun Facts
- The Welsh form Luned appears in the 13th-century Mabinogion, making the name's roots over 800 years old
- Tennyson's 'Gareth and Lynette' was the last of his Arthurian idylls to be written, completed in 1872
Lynette in Other Languages
Famous People Named Lynette
Lynette Scavo Fictional
Other
Main character on Desperate Housewives (2004-2012), the ambitious mother played by Felicity Huffman
Lynette (Arthurian legend) Fictional
Other
Spirited noblewoman and heroine in Tennyson's 'Gareth and Lynette' from Idylls of the King
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,718
- Total SSA Count
- 63
- Cultural Origins
- English Welsh American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Lynette is also used as a boy name, ranked #29551.
View Lynette as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lynette
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About the Name Lynette
Lynette is a girl name with English, Welsh, American, and Australian origins . The name means "idol, image" in Welsh .
Is Lynette a boy or girl name? Lynette is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,718 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,551. Lynette is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lynette is currently ranked #2,718 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lynette has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-eyen-EHT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lynette include Lyn, Lynn, and Nettie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.