Cosette

Cosette is a feminine given name of French and literary origin. Derived from the French word chosette, meaning "little thing", it is the nickname of a central character in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables. The character's birth name is Euphrasie, but she is known throughout the story as Cosette. She is the illegitimate daughter of Fantine, raised by the cruel Thénardiers until she is rescued by the protagonist Jean Valjean.

Etymology and Literary Origin

The name Cosette was coined by Victor Hugo from the French word chosette, a diminutive meaning "little thing." In the novel, it is a term of endearment that reflects the child's small, neglected state. Cosette's real name, Euphrasie, is a Greek name meaning "good cheer" or "joyful," but it is mentioned only briefly. Hugo likely avoided using Euphrasie as the primary name to emphasize the character's early vulnerability.

Notable Bearers

Though not a common given name historically, Cosette gained popularity due to the success of Les Misérables. Among real-life bearers are Cosette Kästner, a German ice dancer. However, most usage as a given name is modern and limited. In the 1900s the name appeared sporadically in France and later in English-speaking countries, inspired by stage and film adaptions.

Cultural Significance

Cosette has become a cultural icon of innonce and redemption through many adaptions of Hugo's novel, including the renowned stage musical Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. In 19th-century art, John Everett Millais' painting The Prisoner of Chillon and Kate Perugini's illustration of Cosette both depict her tender nature. The name also symbolizes the social injustices of the time, being the ward of heartless inkeepers Thénard the 1832 Paris conflicts that frame her story.

• Meaning: "Little thing"
• Origin: French literary coinage
• Gender: Feminine
• Usage: French, English, Literary