Cossette
A girl's name of French origin with 46 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Cossette is a girl's baby name of French origin, most famously the name of the orphaned child in Victor Hugo's Les Misérables — the nickname for Euphrasie Fauchelevent, 'Cosette,' the girl raised in poverty who becomes the novel's symbol of innocence and hope. The name may derive from the French chosette, meaning 'little thing.'
Cossette's double-S spelling is a rare variant of Cosette. The literary connection is powerful — Cosette of Les Misérables is one of 19th-century literature's most beloved heroines, and the name carries the full weight of Hugo's compassionate vision.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Cossette belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the French naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring French names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Cossette’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Cossette has 8+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1997.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 11 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 17 | — |
| 1990s | 18 | — |
The Story of Cossette
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 1997, Cossette is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Cossette are most likely born between 1997 and 2007.
How rare is Cossette?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Cossette is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1997, peaked in the 1990s with 18 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(8 years, 1997–2012)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | #17470 |
| 2011 | 6 | #15255 |
| 2007 | 6 | #15939 |
| 2002 | 6 | #13986 |
| 2000 | 5 | #15574 |
| 1999 | 6 | #13042 |
| 1998 | 6 | #12803 |
| 1997 | 6 | #12418 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cossette a boy's or girl's name?
When was Cossette most popular?
How popular is the name Cossette?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1997–2012