Antoinette is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the male name Antoine, which itself comes from the Latin name Antonius. Antonius was originally a Roman family name that was believed to have been derived from the Latin word 'antonius', meaning "highly praiseworthy" or "priceless."
The name Antoinette has been popular throughout history, particularly in France and other French-speaking countries. It was especially common during the 19th century. Some notable individuals with this name include:
* Antoinette de Menouville (1746-1825), a French noblewoman who played a significant role in supporting the American Revolution.
* Antoinette Brown Blackwell (1825-1921), an American suffragist, abolitionist, and minister, known for her advocacy for women's rights.
While the name Antoinette is less common today than it was during its peak of popularity, it continues to be used as a given name for girls in many parts of the world. It remains a timeless choice with a rich historical background and a meaningful meaning behind it.
The name Antoinette experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with a total of 78,606 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. The name's peak occurred around the late 1910s to early 1920s, with over 1,000 births per year during this period. However, popularity declined steadily throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, with fewer than 500 births recorded annually since 1967. In recent years, Antoinette has become quite rare, with fewer than 100 births recorded each year from 1998 onwards.