Charlette is the lovable, slightly off-beat sister of the ever-popular Charlotte, and she shares the same French roots that trace back to the Old German Karl, meaning “free.” By swapping the “o” for an “a,” this spelling adds a dash of Southern sunshine and vintage lace, giving parents a chance to stand out without straying too far from familiar ground. Charlette has danced around the lower end of the U.S. Top 1000 for more than half a century—steady enough to feel established, rare enough that your little Char will probably be the only one in her class. Nicknames come easy: Char, Lettie, or the spunky Charli. Literary buffs hear echoes of Queen Charlotte and E. B. White’s brave spider, while foodies might picture a dainty charlotte cake—sweet layers of fruit and cream. All told, Charlette wraps freedom, femininity, and a sprinkle of confectionery charm into one warm, shar-LET-sized package.