Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lynette
GirlWelsh, French· “uncertain; from Welsh Eluned”
- Meaning
- uncertain; from Welsh Eluned (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Welsh, French
- Pronunciation
- lih-NEHT
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,633
- US babies 2025
- 66
- Best rank
- #225 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1965
Meaning and origin of Lynette
Lynette is often said to mean “uncertain; from Welsh Eluned”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and French roots.
The origin of Lynette is uncertain. It is often linked to the Welsh Eluned, a name of debated meaning, and it became known in English through Arthurian legend. Alfred Tennyson used the name in Gareth and Lynette, part of his Idylls of the King, where Lynette is a spirited lady who leads Gareth on a quest. The name later came to be seen as a diminutive of Lynn, with the French ette ending. Lynette was popular in the mid twentieth century, and it now has a gentle, vintage charm.
Popularity over time
Lynette first appears in US Social Security records in 1897. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 65 different years, starting in 1923. Its best national rank was #225 in 1965, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,413 babies. In 2025, 66 babies were named Lynette, and it ranked #2,633 nationally. That is 31% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,266 in 1920, #269 in 1950, #485 in 1980, #1,466 in 2000, #1,907 in 2010, and #2,633 in 2025. Of the 43,392 US girls named Lynette since records began, 29% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 10,128 babies. Since 2010, 1,263 more have been named Lynette.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Deneen, Vonda, Angelia, Robyn, and Ronda.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lynette ranked highest in Washington, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #1175 | 5 |
| California | #1709 | 13 |
| Texas | #3153 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lynette is usually pronounced lih-NEHT, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-te”.
Middle names for Lynette
A few middle names that flow with Lynette: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lynette
Similar names
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Lists that include Lynette
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lynette mean?
Lynette is often said to mean “uncertain; from Welsh Eluned”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and French roots.
What is the origin of the name Lynette?
Lynette has Welsh and French roots. The origin of Lynette is uncertain.
Is Lynette a popular name?
Not especially. Lynette ranked #2,633 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lynette a boy or girl name?
Lynette is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lynette?
Lynette is usually pronounced lih-NEHT. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings