Back to Baby Names

Lynette

Pronunciation: [ l-eyen-EHT ]

Girl Name #2,718 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

An Arthurian heroine's name with timeless Welsh roots

English Welsh American Australian
Vintage Elegant Classic Gentle

Meaning & Origin

"idol, image"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh

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

Welsh Luned
French Lynnette
German Lynette
Spanish Lineta

Famous People Named Lynette

L

Lynette Scavo Fictional

Other

Main character on Desperate Housewives (2004-2012), the ambitious mother played by Felicity Huffman

L

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

Lyn Lynn Nettie

Pairs Well With

Lynette Rose Lynette Marie Lynette Claire Lynette Grace Lynette Louise Lynette Ann

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Lynette is also used as a boy name, ranked #29551.

View Lynette as a boy name →

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Lynette and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Lynette sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Lynette

What does the name Lynette mean?
"idol, image" (from Welsh). 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.
What is the origin of the name Lynette?
Lynette has Welsh, English, American, and Australian origins. In Welsh, it means "idol, image".
Is Lynette a boy or girl name?
Lynette is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2718. As a boy name, it is ranked #29551. Lynette is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lynette?
Lynette is pronounced l-eyen-EHT.
How popular is the name Lynette?
Lynette is currently ranked #2718 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lynette?
Common nicknames for Lynette include Lyn, Lynn, and Nettie.
What are good middle names for Lynette?
Popular middle name pairings include Lynette Rose, Lynette Marie, Lynette Claire, Lynette Grace, Lynette Louise, and Lynette Ann.
What are good sibling names for Lynette?
Names that pair well with Lynette as siblings include Gareth, Elaine, Rosalind, Arthur, Vivienne, and Celia.
How many syllables does Lynette have?
Lynette has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lynette a common or rare name?
Lynette is an uncommon name, ranked #2718 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

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.

Explore Name Lists