"small, humble (feminine diminutive of Paul)"
Origin: Latin via French
Language: French
Paulette
Pronunciation: [ p-awl-EHT ]
Girl Name
#1,409 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
French elegance in two syllables — petite and chic
French
American
Cajun
Haitian
Vintage
Elegant
Classic
Sophisticated
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Paulette
Paulette is a French feminine diminutive of Paul, from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' Paul was originally a Roman cognomen (nickname), possibly given to smaller individuals. The apostle Paul (originally Saul of Tarsus) transformed the name from a common Roman surname into one of Christianity's most influential names. French added the diminutive '-ette' suffix to create the feminine Paulette — following the same pattern as Claudette, Cosette, and Lisette.
Paulette was popular in mid-20th century America and France, peaking in the 1940s-1950s. It was particularly used in French-speaking communities — Louisiana Cajun country, Quebec, Haiti — and in American families with French heritage. Today it's a classic vintage name that reads as sophisticated and distinctly retro.
The -ette ending is quintessentially French, giving Paulette an inherently Gallic quality. In Francophone communities worldwide — from Haiti to Quebec to Louisiana — Paulette has been a common name. Actress Paulette Goddard, Charlie Chaplin's second wife, was one of the most glamorous women in Hollywood, lending the name old-movie-star allure.
Fun Facts
- Paulette Goddard was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1943 for So Proudly We Hail!
- The apostle Paul is credited with writing 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament
- The French diminutive -ette suffix indicates smallness or affection — in Paulette it originally meant 'little Paula'
Paulette in Other Languages
French
Paulette
German
Pauline
Italian
Paoletta
Spanish
Paulita
Portuguese
Paulete
Famous People Named Paulette
P
Paulette (singer)
Musician
1959
American country music singer known for hits in the 1980s
P
Paulette Goddard
Actor
1910
American actress and sex symbol of the 1940s, second wife of Charlie Chaplin, nominated for an Academy Award
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,409
- Total SSA Count
- 158
- Cultural Origins
- French American Cajun Haitian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pauly
Lettie
Pairs Well With
Paulette Marie
Paulette Renee
Paulette Claire
Paulette Nicole
Paulette Elise
Paulette Anne
Paulette Louise
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Paulette is also used as a boy name, ranked #30507.
View Paulette as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paulette
What does the name Paulette mean?
"small, humble (feminine diminutive of Paul)" (from Latin via French). Paulette is a French feminine diminutive of Paul, from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' Paul was originally a Roman cognomen (nickname), possibly given to smaller individuals. The apostle Paul (originally Saul of Tarsus) transformed the name from a common Roman surname into one of Christianity's most influential names. French added the diminutive '-ette' suffix to create the feminine Paulette — following the same pattern as Claudette, Cosette, and Lisette.
What is the origin of the name Paulette?
Paulette has Latin via French, French, American, Cajun, and Haitian origins. In Latin via French, it means "small, humble (feminine diminutive of Paul)".
Is Paulette a boy or girl name?
Paulette is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1409. As a boy name, it is ranked #30507. Paulette is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paulette?
Paulette is pronounced p-awl-EHT.
How popular is the name Paulette?
Paulette is currently ranked #1409 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paulette?
Common nicknames for Paulette include Pauly and Lettie.
What are good middle names for Paulette?
Popular middle name pairings include Paulette Marie, Paulette Renee, Paulette Claire, Paulette Nicole, Paulette Elise, Paulette Anne, and Paulette Louise.
What are good sibling names for Paulette?
Names that pair well with Paulette as siblings include Colette, Odette, Celeste, Brigitte, Marcel, Henri, Rene, and Yvette.
How many syllables does Paulette have?
Paulette has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Paulette a common or rare name?
Paulette is an uncommon name, ranked #1409 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Paulette
Paulette is a girl name with French, American, Cajun, and Haitian origins . The name means "small, humble (feminine diminutive of Paul)" in Latin via French .
Is Paulette a boy or girl name? Paulette is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,409 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #30,507. Paulette is more commonly used as a girl name.
Paulette is currently ranked #1,409 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Paulette has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-awl-EHT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Paulette include Pauly and Lettie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Paulette include Paula, Paulina, Pauline . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.