JULIETTE
Gender: Feminine
Usage: French
Pronounced: zhoo-lee-ET [key]
French diminutive of JULIE
The SS list, lists the name Juliette at the number 549 spot. Juliette first appears on the SS list at number 606 in 1881. It decreased in popularity until 1892 then slowly rose in popularity until the 1910's. The name became less popular through to the 1970's but held on in the top 1000. After 1972 Juliette fell of the top 1000 for years, and didn't make a return until 1995 when it held the 962 spot. It has slowly but steadily risen in popularity since. It's still a very uncommon name at the number 549 spot, but might increase in popularity due to current name trends.
I personally prefer the Anglicized form of Juliette; Juliet, this spelling was first used by Shakespeare for the lover of Romeo in his play 'Romeo and Juliet' (1596). Juliette has a softer younger feel to it than Juliet. It has become quite a popular suggestion for people to throw out on baby name forums. I can definitely see it's appeal. Juliette has a soft yet modern look to it, but sounds the same as the well known classic version of Juliet. I was very surprised to learn that Juliette is a diminutive name for Julie, and not the proper name to the diminutive sounding Julie.
I think Juliette is a lovely name that suits very well any little girl. It is strong, yet sweet and soft. It's familiar yet not overused and boring. The name is very whimsical and flowing to me. It reminds me of a princess in a fairy tale, a very girly name indeed.
First/Middle names for Juliette I think would need to be either short and sweet or a bit stronger than the more gentle feel of Juliette. Names I would suggest:
Juliette Claire
Juliette Estelle
Juliette Corinne
Juliette Catherine
Juliette Hope
Elise Juliette
Elizabeth Juliette
Christine Juliette
Melody Juliette
Meredith Juliette
Lydia Juliette
The flow is important here. The -et- ending on the name Juliette can be tricky to pair with a strong feminine name with out falling into a default name (as a middle) such as Marie, Rose, Ann, or Lynn. All traditional middle names, and yet boring and uncreative at the same time. It takes a bit more time and consideration to pair a good strong name when using Juliette than say a more commonly used name like Emily or Abigail.
Alternatives for Juliette might be:
Juliet (obviously)
Judith
Judy
June
Julia
Julie
Juliana
Julianne
Julissa
Juniper
I tend to find Judith a nice strong name, but maybe a bit dated. Julianne is a very pretty name that is also underused and would probably be a bit easier and flexible to find a first/middle pair. Julissa is one I don't hear much and has a younger sound to it. Juniper is very unique but not so different as to be trendy. Which ever your choice may be I think these similar names; and Juliette it self, would be a lovely choice in a world full of Emma's, Emily's and Madison's.
Overall I think Juliette is a nice choice that will stand the test of time. I find the name whimsical yet not too young, as it will age beautifully into adulthood. The common nickname Julie is also one that works well in the adult world as well as on a young girl. I actually have become a bit more fond of the name Juliette just doing this review, which is a rare thing indeed. :)
~Jaesus
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