Meaning: Mettie is a nineteenth-century American pet form used for several longer names, including Mehitabel (Hebrew, 'God makes happy'), Martha (Aramaic, 'lady') and Henrietta. Like many -ie nicknames of the era, it was recorded as a given name in its own right; its exact parent varied by family.Low
In 30 seconds: Mettie is an old-fashioned pet form of longer names like Mehitabel and Martha. It was gently common in the early twentieth century, given to a few dozen girls a year (said 'MET-ee').
MeaningMettie is a nineteenth-century American pet form used for several longer names, including Mehitabel (Hebrew, 'God makes happy'), Martha (Aramaic, 'lady') and Henrietta. Like many -ie nicknames of the era, it was recorded as a given name in its own right; its exact parent varied by family.
Mettie belonged to the age of affectionate -ie nicknames pressed into service as given names. It stood in for names such as Mehitabel, Martha and Henrietta, and which one it shortened depended on the family.
It saw its gentle high around the nineteen-teens, given to only a few dozen girls a year, and faded by mid-century as older nickname-names fell from fashion. It reads today as a charming vintage American name.
Did you know? One of its likely parents is the wonderfully old name Mehitabel, from a Hebrew phrase meaning 'God makes happy' - a mouthful that a cozy nickname like Mettie could soften.
Overall data confidence 40%
References - Mettie / Mehitabel / Martha — Vintage pet form; Mehitabel (Hebrew 'God makes happy'), Martha, Henrietta
