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Last Name Paulette

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What is the origin of the last name Paulette?

The surname Paulette is of French origin. It is derived from the female given name Paulette, which came into use as a diminutive form of Pauline (a feminine form of Paul). Pauline itself was originally a Latin name, based on the masculine name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." Over time, this name evolved and became popular in France, leading to its usage as a surname.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Paulette

The meaning and origin of the last name Paulette

The surname Paulette is of French origin, derived from the given name Paule, which is a form of Paula, a Latin female name that means "small" or "humble." In France, the name Paula was often contracted to Paule and later to Paulett(e) as a surname. The feminine form of the name has been used in France since at least the 13th century, and it gained popularity during the Middle Ages. The name was also brought to other countries by French immigrants, spreading its usage globally. Today, Paulette is a relatively uncommon surname, but it can be found in various parts of the world where there are communities of French descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paulette

The surname Paulette has a predominant concentration in French-speaking regions, particularly France, where it is considered a diminutive form of Paula or Paul. It is also found among French Canadian and Acadian communities in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia in Canada. Additionally, Paulette is occasionally encountered in the United States, with Louisiana having a significant number of individuals bearing this surname due to French colonial influence. Beyond these regions, the name appears less frequently but can still be found in various parts of Europe, such as Belgium and Switzerland, where it may have been brought by immigrants from France or other French-speaking areas. In summary, while Paulette is most prevalent in French-speaking countries, its distribution extends to some regions in North America and parts of Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paulette

The surname Paulette has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include Paulette, Paulette, Pawlette, and Pawllette. These variations may arise from slight differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions. Additionally, there may be regional or cultural influences that contribute to the variations of this surname. For example, in French-speaking regions, the name Paulette is a feminine given name meaning "little Paul," while as a surname it may be pronounced with different accents and spelled slightly differently depending on the location. Overall, these variations emphasize the versatility and adaptability of the name Paulette throughout history and across languages.

Famous people with the last name Paulette

Notable individuals bearing the surname Paulette include:

1. Paulette Goddard (1911-1990), an American actress who started her career as a chorus girl and later became known for her roles in films such as "Modern Times" and "The Little Foxes."
2. Paulette Wills (born 1936), an American actress, best recognized for her role as Vicki Baumann on the TV series "Batman" from 1966 to 1968.
3. Paulette Bourgeois (1928-2019), a Canadian author who is most famous for creating the popular children's book character Franklin the Turtle.
4. Paulette Evans (1917-2015), an American actress known for her roles in films such as "The Little Foxes" and "I'll Cry Tomorrow."
5. Paulette Jarvis, a British former competitive figure skater who represented Great Britain at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.
6. Paulette Hamilton (born 1968), an American author and motivational speaker known for her work on self-development and personal growth.

Genealogical research on the last name Paulette

The surname Paulette is of French origin, derived from the given name Paul, which means "small" or "humble." This surname can be found in various regions of France, with Normandy being one of the earliest areas where it appeared. The Norman conquest of England in 1066 led to the introduction of the Paulette family name into England, with notable early bearers including Robert de Paulet who was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The name also spread to other European countries during the Middle Ages as a result of crusades and migrations. In the United States, the surname Paulette can be traced back to French-speaking colonists who settled in Louisiana in the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals with this name include Jean-Baptiste Paulette, a French physician and botanist, and Paulette Goddard, an American actress known for her work in films directed by Charlie Chaplin.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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