Jacquetta is of French origin, derived from the masculine given name Jacques, which is itself a derivative of Jacob. The name means 'supplanter' or 'held by the heel,' a reference to the biblical figure Jacob who wrestled with an angel and was touched on the heel. Jacquetta has been used as a feminine given name in France since the Middle Ages. It was brought into popularity in England during the 15th century through the House of Lancaster, as it was the name of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, mother of Edward IV. However, despite its historical presence, Jacquetta remains relatively uncommon today.
The name Jacquetta experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the course of the century, with a notable peak in usage during the late 1940s to early 1960s. However, by the end of the 1990s and into the early 2000s, its usage had declined significantly.