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Thoughts on the name Odette?

46 replies

TwinkleTwinkleX · 11/01/2025 19:47

Wondering the general consensus on the name Odette as either a first name or middle name? We love ballet and are drawn to French names x

OP posts:
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BootballJoy · 11/01/2025 21:58

I think either Odette de Crécy or Odette from Swan Lake, neither are bad references.

I don't really like the sound of the name though, to me it's similar to Yvonne/Yvette in feel. My favourite French name is Marianne, and I quite like Sylvie, Delphine and Juliette. I think they are all quite old-fashioned in France though.

Other ballet names maybe Clara, Juliet, Giselle, Ninette, Margot, Manon?

SushiWarrior · 11/01/2025 22:01

I think swan lake, but I do think it’s a lovely name!!

Bumpygritch · 11/01/2025 22:07

Not too keen I’m afraid - it sounds fine but in writing I see ‘Odd’ I prefer some of @BootballJoy ’s suggestions.

Moreteaandchocolate · 11/01/2025 22:08

I’m actually not that keen - my mind goes to odour, and the “ette” part makes it feel a bit dated, like Colette. But I’m sure if I met a little Odette my associations would change quickly and it would soon sound lovely to me.

Nollybolly6 · 11/01/2025 22:11

I like it but would assume you are french

BiggerBoat1 · 11/01/2025 22:13

Lovely

AKettleOfDifferentFish · 11/01/2025 22:14

It's beautiful, but how will it sound in the local accent where you live? Where I live it would be something like Uh-deh to lots of people 😣

Nextyearhopes · 11/01/2025 22:15

I went to uni with one, and I thought it was a lovely, classy name. She has no French roots neither.

JumpstartMondays · 11/01/2025 22:15

Not a fan of the name Odette, but I adore the name Cosette. French and, whilst not not ballet, a cultural reference to Les Mis.

WimpoleHat · 11/01/2025 22:17

I like it! I would immediately think of Swan Lake too, but that’s not a bad thing. I went to school with an Odette, if I think back - so it’s unusual, but not “out there”.

HansHolbein · 11/01/2025 22:18

I’ve always adored this name!

Maboscelar · 11/01/2025 22:18

I love it! It's very pretty

UtterlyOtterly · 11/01/2025 22:25

There was an Odette in my class in the 60s, I used to think it was really cool. I don't think she was French, her brother and sister had very English names.

Pieceofpurplesky · 11/01/2025 23:24

Lovely.
I love Delphine too

toastofthetown · 12/01/2025 13:55

I love Odette.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 12/01/2025 13:58

Make me think of the SOE operative who was incredibly brave and strong. Fab name.

LastNightMyPJsSavedMyLife · 12/01/2025 14:30

Beautiful name Op. Always makes me think of Odette Sansom such a brave, brave lady. Watch the film Odette if you haven't already.

HugoYorway · 12/01/2025 14:32

It's a French granny name, and sounds like Odd-ette in the UK.

MassiveSalad22 · 12/01/2025 14:38

Nice, know 2 little Odettes weirdly! Just can’t think what a diminutive might be - Didi?? Etta maybe. I know that’s not crucial but good idea to make sure they’re not horrendous as they are generally inevitable.

Choux · 12/01/2025 14:41

I knew an Odette about thirty years ago. She was about 50 then so would be in her 80s now and was French. I think it's a lovely name.

Names of that era - so called granny names - often have a mini revival as the grannies die and grandchildren want to remember them. I know a 2 year old Elsie for example.

Drinkingteathroughastraw · 12/01/2025 14:46

Absolutely love it! Was on my short list for DC2 but had a boy

Firenzeflower · 12/01/2025 14:48

Lovely

Wendolino · 12/01/2025 14:49

It's a lovely name. I always think of the wartime heroine Odette Churchill Hallowes

SallyWD · 12/01/2025 14:53

I know a teenage Odette. I do like it but prefer the name Alette which I think is absolutely beautiful.

Ariela · 12/01/2025 14:56

JumpstartMondays · 11/01/2025 22:15

Not a fan of the name Odette, but I adore the name Cosette. French and, whilst not not ballet, a cultural reference to Les Mis.

Ooh I agree, Cosette is lovely. Won't get shortened to Odd or Oddie