Henrietta
Henrietta is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Ruler of the home or estate.
Origin and history
Henrietta is the English form of the French Henriette, a feminine diminutive of Henry, which originates from Germanic roots meaning 'home ruler'. Popular in 19th and early 20th century America, it has a classic, vintage feel. Today it is a traditional yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a historic name.
Popularity in the United States
51,330 babies in the United States have been named Henrietta since 1880. It ranks #576 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1652.
States where it is most popular
- NY (9.8 %)
- PA (8.4 %)
- IL (5.9 %)
- TX (5.4 %)
- SC (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 2,480 |
| 1890-1900 | 4,035 |
| 1900-1910 | 4,514 |
| 1910-1920 | 10,400 |
| 1920-1930 | 10,453 |
| 1930-1940 | 5,814 |
| 1940-1950 | 5,650 |
| 1950-1960 | 3,830 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,779 |
| 1970-1980 | 660 |
| 1980-1990 | 318 |
| 1990-2000 | 223 |
| 2000-2010 | 144 |
| 2010-2019 | 581 |
| 2020-2029 | 449 |
Famous people named Henrietta
- Henrietta Lacks: Medical subject, Historical figure
- Henrietta Swan Leavitt: Astronomer
Nicknames
Etta, Hettie, Henny, Nettie
Fun facts
- The name gained widespread English adoption following the 1625 marriage of French princess Henrietta Maria to King Charles I.
- Astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt discovered the period-luminosity relation for Cepheid variables, revolutionizing modern cosmology.