The Name Odette: Meaning, Origins, Variations, And Significance

Have you been considering the name Odette for your baby girl? This elegant and sophisticated name has a rich history and cultural significance that may appeal to many parents. In this article, we will explore the origins, meaning, variations, famous people, literature and popular culture, popularity, regional differences, psychology of naming, gender neutrality, etymology, mythology and folklore, religion, and nicknames associated with the name Odette. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of this beautiful name and its potential for your child.

1. Origins

The name Odette has French origins and is derived from the name Oda, which means “wealth” or “fortune.” It was popularized by the French author Charles Perrault in his fairy tale “Swan Lake,” where the main character is a princess named Odette who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The name has since become associated with grace, beauty, and elegance.

2. What does Odette mean?

The meaning of Odette is “wealth” or “fortune,” which reflects its origins in the name Oda. However, the name has also come to be associated with grace, beauty, and elegance, thanks to its use in literature and popular culture.

3. Variations

There are several variations of the name Odette, including Odessa, Odile, and Odetta. Odessa is a Russian name that means “long journey,” while Odile is a French name that means “wealthy.” Odetta is an English name that means “wealthy” or “fortunate.”

4. Famous People

Some notable people with the name Odette include Odette Annable, an American actress known for her roles in “Cloverfield” and “Supergirl,” and Odette Sansom, a British spy who worked for the French Resistance during World War II.

5. Literature and Popular Culture

The name Odette has been used in literature and popular culture in various ways. As mentioned earlier, it was popularized by Charles Perrault in his fairy tale “Swan Lake,” where the main character is a princess named Odette who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The name has also been used in other works of literature, such as Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time” and Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita.” In popular culture, the name has been used for characters in films, TV shows, and video games, such as Odette in “Barbie of Swan Lake” and Odette in “Fire Emblem Fates.”

6. Popularity

The name Odette has never been a particularly popular name in the United States, but it has seen a slight increase in usage in recent years. In 2020, it ranked #1,357 in popularity, with 191 baby girls given the name.

7. Regional Differences in Popularity

The name Odette is more popular in certain regions of the United States than others. It is most popular in the state of Louisiana, where it ranked #358 in popularity in 2020. It is also relatively popular in the states of Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts.

8. Psychology of Naming

Parents may choose the name Odette for their child for various reasons. Some may be drawn to its elegant and sophisticated sound, while others may appreciate its cultural significance and literary associations. The name may also appeal to parents who are looking for a unique and uncommon name for their child.

9. Gender-Neutral Name

The name Odette is typically associated with girls, but it can be considered gender-neutral. In some cultures, such as Russia, the name Odette is used for both boys and girls.

10. Etymology

The name Odette is derived from the name Oda, which means “wealth” or “fortune.” The name has been used in various forms throughout history, including as a surname in medieval England and as a given name in France and other European countries.

11. Mythology and Folklore

There are no specific mythological or folkloric stories associated with the name Odette, but its use in Charles Perrault’s “Swan Lake” has given it a fairy tale-like quality that may appeal to some parents.

12. Religion

The name Odette is not associated with any particular religion or religious figure.

13. Nicknames

Some common nicknames for the name Odette include Odie, Ode, and Etta.