Wannette is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of American origin, derived from the surname Wanner, which is believed to have German and Swiss roots. The name is thought to be a variant spelling of Wanetta, possibly influenced by the suffix "-ette," often used to create diminutives or endearing forms of names. However, unlike many names ending in "-ette," Wannette does not appear to be a diminutive form but rather an alternate spelling of its source name.
The name Wanner itself is derived from the Middle High German word "waner," which means "wagon maker" or "cartwright." This suggests that the surname, and by extension the given name Wannette, may have originated among families who were involved in wagon-making or other related occupations. Alternatively, it could also be connected to the personal name Werner, meaning "strong spear" in German.
While not particularly popular today, Wannette was once more common, especially during the early to mid-20th century in the United States. It has been associated with notable individuals, such as American singer-songwriter and actress Wannette "Wanda" Jackson, known for her contributions to rockabilly music in the 1950s.
Overall, Wannette is a unique name that offers a blend of historical roots and modern rarity, potentially appealing to parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful choice for their child.
The name Wannette experienced a brief surge in popularity during the late 1960s with seven babies named Wannette each year in 1969 and 1970, resulting in a total of fourteen girls being named Wannette during this two-year period.