Juliette is a feminine given name of French origin and Latin roots. It means "youthful" or "downy", referring to the down on the skin of young birds. The name Juliette is derived from the Latin word "Iulius", which was originally a Roman family name and later became a personal name.
The name Juliette gained popularity during the Renaissance period, as it was used by prominent figures such as Juliette Drouet, a French actress who was known for her love affair with the poet Alfred de Musset. However, its most famous association is with Shakespeare's tragic play "Romeo and Juliet", in which Juliette is the heroine who falls in love with Romeo Montague.
Throughout history, Juliette has been used as both a given name and a surname. Today, it remains popular in French-speaking countries, as well as other parts of Europe and beyond. Some notable figures named Juliette include Juliette Binoche, a French actress known for her roles in films like "The English Patient" and "Chocolat", and Juliette Lewis, an American actress who has appeared in movies such as "Natural Born Killers" and "Old School".
In literature and art, Juliette continues to be a popular choice of name for characters due to its romantic associations. However, it is important to note that while Juliette may evoke images of romance and tragedy, the name itself does not necessarily imply any specific personality traits or characteristics. Instead, like all names, Juliette's meaning is largely subjective and can vary depending on cultural context and individual perception.
The name Juliette experienced a significant surge in popularity from the late 1990s onwards, with consistent increases each year until it peaked at over 1700 births per year around 2020-2023. Prior to this period, its usage was relatively low and somewhat inconsistent, ranging between single-digit figures to a peak of 48 in 1911.