Paulette
/ˈpɔːlɛt/
noun
Origin
Latin
Paulus — small, humble
Overview
Meaning Now
- A female given name, diminutive of Paula.
Literal older meaning
small or little Paula
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
Paulette
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The name Paulette originates as a French diminutive of Paule, which itself is the feminine equivalent of Paul. The suffix '-ette' is a common French diminutive used to denote smaller size or affection, a feature that became fashionable in naming practices during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Evolution
- Latin
Paulus
“small, humble”
A Roman cognomen.
- French
Paule
“feminine form of Paul”
Derived from the Latin masculine name.
- French
Paulette
“little Paule”
Diminutive form with -ette suffix.
Connections
Word parts
Paul
root
small
ette
suffix
diminutive/feminine
Related across languages
French
small Paula
Spanish
Paulita
little Paula
Related words
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Related to Paulette
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.