Harriette

Meaning & origin

Harriette is a distinctly feminine variant of Harriet, itself derived from the male name Harry. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, the first year of official Social Security data, and saw its peak popularity in 1917, during the height of the Edwardian era's taste for elaborate feminine forms. After a long decline through much of the 20th century, Harriette has been on a modest upward trajectory since 2009, as part of a broader revival of vintage 'grandmother' names from the 1910s. It remains rare, with only a few dozen girls receiving the name annually, but it offers a slightly more ornate alternative to the more common Harriet.

Harriette is a feminine diminutive of Harry, itself a medieval English form of Henry. The name Henry derives from the Germanic name Heimirich, meaning 'home ruler.' Harriette emerged in the 18th century as a variant of Harriet, influenced by the French suffix -ette. It was particularly popular in the English-speaking world during the 19th and early 20th centuries.