Antoinette

Antoinette is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French name Antoine, which is a cognate of the Latin name Antonius. The latter name is believed to have been derived from the Etruscan name Aynutios, which may have meant "priceless" or "highly praiseworthy." The name Antoinette became popular in France during the 17th century and was often used as a feminine form of Antoine. It was also used by French nobility, with one notable example being Marie Antoinette, who was born Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna but was known by her nickname Antoinette. In English-speaking countries, the name Antoinette began to gain popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is still considered a classic French name that has been used for generations of girls around the world. Some famous people named Antoinette include Antoinette Brouwer, a Dutch painter, and Antoinette Tuff, an American educator who famously negotiated with a gunman at her school in Atlanta.