Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Harriet
GirlEnglish, French· “home ruler”
- Meaning
- home ruler
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- HEH-ree-iht
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,073
- US babies 2025
- 226
- Best rank
- #73 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Harriet
Harriet is an English and French name that means “home ruler”.
Harriet is the English form of the French Henriette, the feminine of Henri, which comes from Germanic elements meaning home and ruler. The name has deep historical associations, including Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and led others to freedom, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Harriet feels strong, vintage and distinguished. It offers nicknames such as Hattie, Harri and Etta, giving it a lighter touch. It suits parents who are drawn to sturdy vintage choices with character.
Popularity over time
Harriet has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 92 different years. Its best national rank was #73 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 2,389 were named Harriet. In 2025, 226 babies were named Harriet, and it ranked #1,073 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #112 in 1920, #246 in 1950, #1,891 in 1980, #3,546 in 2000, #3,020 in 2010, and #1,073 in 2025. Of the 90,306 US girls named Harriet since records began, 23% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 15,598 babies. Since 2010, 2,908 more have been named Harriet.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Muriel, Eunice, Velma, Hilda, and Inez.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Harriet ranked highest in District of Columbia, Minnesota, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #130 | 6 |
| Minnesota | #517 | 10 |
| New York | #666 | 25 |
| Washington | #708 | 9 |
| Colorado | #740 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Harriet is usually pronounced HEH-ree-iht, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with H and ends in “-et”.
Middle names for Harriet
A few middle names that flow with Harriet: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Harriet
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Lists that include Harriet
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Harriet mean?
Harriet is an English and French name that means “home ruler”.
What is the origin of the name Harriet?
Harriet has English, French, and Germanic roots. Harriet is the English form of the French Henriette, the feminine of Henri, which comes from Germanic elements meaning home and ruler.
Is Harriet a popular name?
Not especially. Harriet ranked #1,073 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Harriet a boy or girl name?
Harriet is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Harriet?
Harriet is usually pronounced HEH-ree-iht. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings