Yvette is a feminine given name of French origin and meaning. It is derived from the Occitan word "iveta", which means "yew". The yew tree was considered sacred by ancient Celtic cultures and was often associated with immortality due to its long lifespan.
The name Yvette gained popularity in France during the 19th century, but it was not until the early 20th century that it began to be used more widely in other parts of Europe and beyond. Today, it is recognized as a French name, though it has been adopted by many different cultures around the world.
Some famous people named Yvette include:
* Yvette Mimieux, an American actress best known for her role in the 1960 film "The Time Machine".
* Yvette Horner, a French accordionist who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s.
* Yvette Chauvire, a French soprano opera singer who performed in leading roles at the Paris Opera between the 1930s and 1950s.
Overall, the name Yvette has a rich history rooted in ancient Celtic culture and has been embraced by many different cultures over time. It is a unique and distinctive name that carries with it a sense of timelessness and elegance.
"The name Yvette experienced a significant rise in popularity over the course of the 20th century. Initially quite rare with only single-digit births per year from 1898 to 1946, it began gaining traction in the late 1940s and early 1950s, reaching triple digits by 1953. The peak of Yvette's popularity was between 1962 and 1972, with over 2000 births each year during this period. However, since the late 1970s, its usage has steadily declined, falling to fewer than 200 births per year by the early 1990s, and continuing to decrease thereafter."