Hattie is a charming and unique name of English origin. It is derived from the name Harriet, which is a feminine form of Henry. The name Henry is ultimately derived from the Germanic elements "heim" meaning home and "ric" meaning power or ruler. Therefore, Hattie can be interpreted as "home ruler" or "strong in power."
The name Harriet became popular during the 18th century among English-speaking populations and continued to be used throughout the Victorian era. It was often shortened to Hattie, which added a touch of familiarity and affection.
One notable figure with the name Hattie is American poet and suffragist Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross), who escaped slavery in 1849 and devoted her life to helping other enslaved people gain their freedom through the Underground Railroad. Her courageous actions earned her the nickname "Moses" among her peers.
While not as commonly used today, Hattie remains a vintage name that carries with it a rich history and strong associations with empowerment and resilience. It is an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Hattie has seen a rollercoaster of popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th century, it was quite popular, with over 1,000 births each year from 1885 to 1892. The peak was reached in 1892 with 1,363 births.
However, popularity declined rapidly in the early 20th century, dropping below 1,000 births per year by 1907 and continuing to decline throughout the 1910s and 1920s. By 1931, there were only 1,056 births, a significant decrease from its peak.
The name Hattie continued to become less popular over time, with fewer than 100 births each year between 1967 and 1984. There was a slight uptick in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but it remained relatively low.
However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of popularity for the name Hattie. After 2011, the number of births began to increase significantly, reaching 763 in 2022. This trend suggests that the name may be making a comeback among parents in the United States.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Hattie has fluctuated over time, it remains a unique and historic name with a rich history in the United States. Its recent resurgence in popularity indicates that it continues to appeal to parents looking for distinctive names for their children.