Henriette is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the name Henry, which is ultimately of Germanic origin and means "home ruler." The suffix "-ette" denotes a diminutive or pet form, making Henriette mean "little home ruler."
The name Henriette first gained popularity in France during the 16th century. It was often used as a feminine form of Henry for daughters of royal families or noble houses. One notable historical figure with this name is Henriette Charlotte de La Tour d'Auvergne (1700-1784), who was a French princess and member of the House of Bourbon.
Over time, Henriette has become less common as a given name, but it remains a historic and elegant choice. It is often associated with old-world charm and sophistication. Today, parents may choose this name for their daughters to honor family history or simply because they appreciate its unique sound and meaning. Despite its vintage feel, Henriette is still used in modern times, especially among French-speaking communities around the world.
In literature and art, Henriette has been featured as a character in several works, such as "Manon Lescaut" by Abbé Prévost, where she is a secondary character named Henriette de Mézières. The name may also be familiar to fans of the play "The Imaginary Invalid" by Molière, which includes a character named Henriette.
Overall, Henriette is an elegant and historic feminine given name with a strong meaning rooted in its Germanic origins. While less common today than it once was, this name retains a certain charm and sophistication that continues to appeal to parents seeking unique names for their daughters.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Henriette in the United States from 1881 to 2023. During this period, there were a total of 1366 babies named Henriette born in the US.
Looking at the data, we can observe that the popularity of the name Henriette has varied significantly over time. In some years, no girls were named Henriette, while in others, as many as 53 were born with this name.
The peak years for births with the name Henriette were during World War I and its aftermath. Between 1914 and 1924, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Henriette, reaching a high point of 53 births in 1915. This trend could be attributed to various social factors at that time, such as trends in naming practices or influences from current events.
However, since the mid-20th century, the name Henriette has been less commonly chosen for newborn girls in the US. Between 1946 and 2023, there were only 28 births with this name, with most years having fewer than 10 Henriettes born each year. The most recent data shows a slight resurgence in popularity, with 7 births recorded in 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Henriette was once quite popular in the United States, its usage as a baby name has significantly decreased over time and remains relatively uncommon today.