Holding steady, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Harriett since 1880
Babies named Harriett per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Harriett's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 938 |
| 1890s | 1,199 |
| 1900s | 1,226 |
| 1910s | 3,839 |
| 1920s | 4,602 |
| 1930s | 3,038 |
| 1940s | 3,064 |
| 1950s | 1,998 |
| 1960s | 976 |
| 1970s | 289 |
| 1980s | 177 |
| 1990s | 84 |
| 2000s | 38 |
| 2010s | 89 |
| 2020s | 64 |
Meaning & origin
Harriett is a historic spelling variant of the classic name Harriet. While the standard Harriet has remained in steady use over the decades, the Harriett variant peaked early, reaching its highest rank in 1881 (the peak year) when it was far more common. By 2025, it ranked 6,546th, suggesting only occasional use, with about 1 in 94,545 newborns receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been stable in recent years, neither sharply rising nor falling. Its top states in historical data are scattered, reflecting a broad but thin distribution. The double-t ending gives Harriett a slightly more old-fashioned feel compared to its counterpart, connecting it to 19th-century naming patterns that favored such spellings. Parents today who choose Harriett often appreciate its vintage charm and its subtle distinction from the more common Harriet.
Harriett is a spelling variant of Harriet, which itself is an English feminine form of Harry, a medieval diminutive of Henry. Henry derives from the Germanic name Heimirich, composed of elements meaning 'home' and 'ruler.' The name entered England with the Normans and became popular among royalty and nobility. Harriet saw widespread use in the 18th and 19th centuries, with Harriett as a less common alternative spelling.
Where Harriett is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hattie, Hettie, Etta
Variants: Harriet, Hariett, Hariette
Sibling names for Harriett
Names that share Harriett's style, for a brother or sister.
