Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Yvette
GirlFrench, Germanic· “yew”
- Meaning
- yew
- Origin
- French, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- ih-VEHT
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,630
- US babies 2025
- 128
- Best rank
- #125 (1967)
- Peak year
- 1967
Meaning and origin of Yvette
Yvette is a French and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “yew”.
Yvette is a French feminine form of Yves, a name that comes from the Germanic word iv, "yew," the evergreen tree prized for making bows. Saint Yves, a thirteenth-century Breton priest and lawyer, is the patron saint of lawyers and made the name popular in France. Yvette became common in France and later in English-speaking countries in the twentieth century. Pronounced ih-VEHT or ee-VEHT, it has an elegant, French sound. Vette is a possible nickname. Yvette suits parents who want a classic French name with a refined, slightly vintage character.
Popularity over time
Yvette first appears in US Social Security records in 1898. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 95 different years, starting in 1912. Its best national rank was #125 in 1967, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,743 babies. In 2025, 128 babies were named Yvette, and it ranked #1,630 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #658 in 1920, #455 in 1950, #283 in 1980, #622 in 2000, #1,259 in 2010, and #1,630 in 2025. Of the 64,047 US girls named Yvette since records began, 34% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 12,468 babies. Since 2010, 2,197 more have been named Yvette.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sonya, Kimberley, Sonja, Audra, and Angelia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Yvette ranked highest in California, New York, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #829 | 36 |
| New York | #979 | 16 |
| Minnesota | #998 | 5 |
| Washington | #1240 | 5 |
| Texas | #1529 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Yvette is usually pronounced ih-VEHT, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with Y and ends in “-te”.
Middle names for Yvette
A few middle names that flow with Yvette: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Yvette
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Lists that include Yvette
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yvette mean?
Yvette is a French and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “yew”.
What is the origin of the name Yvette?
Yvette has French and Germanic roots. Yvette is a French feminine form of Yves, a name that comes from the Germanic word iv, "yew," the evergreen tree prized for making bows.
Is Yvette a popular name?
Not especially. Yvette ranked #1,630 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Yvette a boy or girl name?
Yvette is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Yvette?
Yvette is usually pronounced ih-VEHT. 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