Origin and Meaning of Collette

Meaning & Origin

Victory of the people

Origin: French - Collette is a diminutive form of the name Nicolette, which itself is derived from the Greek 'Nikolaos', meaning 'victory of the people' (Nike meaning 'victory' and laos meaning 'people').

Interesting Facts

  • Collette is often associated with the French author Colette, who was a famous figure in the literary world in the early 20th century, known for her novel 'Gigi' and her works dealing with feminist themes.
  • The name is popular in French-speaking countries and has been embraced in various cultures, often with different spellings such as Colette or Nicolette.
  • Notable bearers of the name include the French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette and Colette, the character in the book and film 'Gigi'.
  • Collette saw fluctuations in popularity, experiencing a resurgence in interest during the late 20th century but never reaching the heights of more common names.
  • Variations of Collette include Nicole, Colette, and Collie, emphasizing its French roots and the connection to 'victory'.