Home › Baby Names Directory › Henrietta
Henrietta
Pronounced hehn-ree-EHT-uh /hɛn.ɹi.ˈɛt.ə/Medium
Meaning: Home rulerMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
It is the elaborated feminine of Henry, whose Germanic roots give the meaning 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household'. The form came into English use through French and has long had an aristocratic ring. Its many relatives, including Harriet, all descend from the same Henry source.
The variants spread from the formal Henriett to the more casual Harriet and Harriette, offering softer everyday alternatives. The American astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt, whose work made it possible to measure cosmic distances, is a notable bearer.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Henrietta Swan Leavitt (1868–1921)American astronomer whose discovery of the Cepheid period-luminosity relation enabled measurement of cosmic distances.
If you like Henrietta…
Explore names like Henrietta
Frequently Asked
What does the name Henrietta mean?
Henrietta is usually explained as meaning 'home ruler' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Henrietta?
It's commonly said hehn-ree-EHT-uh /hɛn.ɹi.ˈɛt.ə/.
Is Henrietta a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Henrietta is used as a girl name.
How popular is Henrietta?
In 2024, Henrietta ranked #2135 in the U.S. for girls, with 89 births recorded.