If you grew up in the 80s, or maybe you were just dragged to the theater for the CGI "Squeakquel" in the late 2000s, you know the high-pitched harmonies of the most famous girl group in rodent history. But for some reason, people always blank on the specifics. Everyone knows Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. They’re icons. But what are the name of the Chipettes?
Honestly, it’s a question that pops up more than you’d think, mostly because the girls weren't just "female versions" of the boys. They had their own complex backstories, distinct fashion senses, and—let’s be real—way more talent than Alvin on a bad day.
The trio consists of Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor.
But just knowing the names isn't really the whole story. These three have been through multiple reboots, different voice actors (including some surprisingly big Hollywood names), and a shift from being independent tree-house dwellers to being the adopted daughters of a chaotic, music-loving grandmother.
The Lineup: Who’s Who in the Chipettes?
When Janice Karman created these characters in the early 1980s, she didn't just want carbon copies of the boys. She wanted "counter personalities." If you look closely, they don't just match the boys; they often challenge them.
Brittany Miller: The Fearless Leader
Brittany is the oldest sister and the undisputed lead singer of the group. If Alvin is the "ego," Brittany is the "ambition." She’s usually seen wearing pink, sporting a signature blonde ponytail that’s basically its own character.
In the 80s cartoon, she was often portrayed as vain and a bit of a shopaholic (she once famously sold Alvin's clothes to Goodwill just to get more closet space). But underneath that "it girl" exterior, she’s fiercely protective. In the live-action films, voiced by Christina Applegate, she’s the one who stands up to the villainous Ian Hawke to ensure her sisters don't get exploited.
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Jeanette Miller: The Brainy Dreamer
Jeanette is the middle sister, though she’s actually the tallest. She’s the counterpart to Simon, but where Simon is arrogant about his intelligence, Jeanette is sweet, shy, and incredibly clumsy. Her signature color started as a soft blue in the 80s but transitioned to purple in the modern CGI era.
She’s the one wearing the glasses (usually held together by a bit of tape or sheer willpower). What most people forget is that Jeanette is actually a bit of a visionary. While Brittany is worried about the charts, Jeanette is often lost in a book or a scientific experiment. She was voiced by Anna Faris in the movie trilogy.
Eleanor Miller: The Muscle and the Heart
Don't let the pigtails fool you. Eleanor is the youngest, but she’s arguably the strongest. She’s the counterpart to Theodore, sharing his love for food and baking, but she has a spine of steel. While Theodore often cowers when Alvin gets bossy, Eleanor is the only one who consistently stands up to Brittany's diva moments.
Her signature color is spring green. In the original series, she was portrayed as more "chubby" and athletic. Interestingly, her voice has seen the most changes in the films—originally voiced by Amy Poehler before Kaley Cuoco took over the role for The Road Chip.
Where Did They Actually Come From?
The history of what are the name of the Chipettes actually starts with a character most fans have never heard of: Charlene.
In 1982, an album called The Chipmunks Go Hollywood featured a female chipmunk singing a duet with Alvin on the song "You're the One That I Want." On the cover, she had a long blonde ponytail. That was Charlene. She was basically a prototype for Brittany. Janice Karman realized that to keep the franchise fresh, the boys needed a female foil, and thus, the trio was born for the 1983 television debut.
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The Missing Mother Figure
In the 80s lore, the girls were orphans from Australia. They ended up in a New York orphanage run by a woman named Miss Grudge (who was every bit as mean as she sounds). They eventually escaped, stowed away on a ship called the American Dreamer, and worked menial jobs in the city before finding their way to California.
This is where things get interesting. Unlike the boys, who live with Dave, the girls were eventually adopted by Beatrice Miller. Miss Miller was a family friend of the Sevilles and a former singer herself. This gave the girls a totally different dynamic; they weren't just "the girls next door," they had their own household and their own guardian.
Why the Names Matter for SEO and Fandom
When searching for the Chipettes, people often get confused because the branding shifted. In 1988, the show's title actually changed from Alvin and the Chipmunks to simply The Chipmunks to reflect that the Chipettes were now equal stars.
If you’re trying to remember which one is which, just look at the colors:
- Pink = Brittany (The Diva/Leader)
- Purple/Blue = Jeanette (The Smart/Shy one)
- Green = Eleanor (The Sweet/Strong one)
Voice Talent Evolution
It’s also worth noting the "human" names behind the chipmunks. For decades, Janice Karman voiced all three of them. She did the talking, the singing (mostly), and the writing. When the 2009 movie The Squeakquel came out, the studio brought in "A-list" talent:
- Christina Applegate (Brittany)
- Anna Faris (Jeanette)
- Amy Poehler (Eleanor)
This move was actually a bit controversial among hardcore fans because the voices were so heavily sped up (the "chipmunk effect") that you could barely tell it was them. Why pay for Amy Poehler if she’s going to sound like a helium balloon? Regardless, it worked—the movie was a massive hit and introduced Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor to a whole new generation.
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Key Differences: 80s vs. Modern CGI
If you're looking at a picture of them today, they look a lot more like actual chipmunks. In the 80s, their designs were much more "human-like." They had human-proportioned bodies, wore high-fashion outfits (for the time), and didn't even have tails!
The modern version, seen in the ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks series on Nickelodeon, brings back some of that 80s edge but keeps the small, furry aesthetic. They’ve moved back into a treehouse behind Miss Miller's house, bridgeing the gap between the original "independent" Chipettes and the "family" version from the movies.
Quick Summary of Traits
| Name | Color | Counterpart | Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany | Pink | Alvin | Vain, ambitious, fierce leader |
| Jeanette | Purple | Simon | Intelligent, clumsy, kind-hearted |
| Eleanor | Green | Theodore | Athletic, determined, loves baking |
Moving Forward with the Chipettes
Knowing the names is just the start. If you’re a collector or a fan, the next logical step is to dive into the music. The Chipettes' discography is actually pretty deep, including full albums like The Chipmunk Adventure soundtrack, which features some of the best hand-drawn animation of the 80s.
To really get the full "Chipette experience," you should:
- Watch The Chipmunk Adventure (1987): It's their finest hour and shows them outsmarting international smugglers.
- Listen to "The Girls of Rock 'n' Roll": It’s their unofficial anthem and basically explains their entire vibe.
- Check out the 2015 Series: It gives more screen time to Eleanor and Jeanette, who often got sidelined in the 80s in favor of the Brittany/Alvin rivalry.
Next time someone asks you what are the name of the chipettes, you can tell them it's Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor—and then blow their minds with the fact that they were originally Australian orphans.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking to introduce these characters to a younger audience, start with the The Squeakquel. It’s the most accessible entry point that clearly defines their personalities before moving into the deeper lore of the original 1983 series.