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ArchivesOrigins of the name Harriet?
Can someone explain why Harriet is seen as a feminine derivative of Henry, in detail, as opposed to having another origin? My question might apply to Harry as well.
I ask because the verb "to harry" was present in the English language for a long time prior to the spread of the name Harriet, as far as I can tell, and the surname Harriot would have also maybe been familiar to people. So how do we know that Harriet wasn't originally understood in that way, akin to the rise of Madison as a girl's name today?
I ask because the verb "to harry" was present in the English language for a long time prior to the spread of the name Harriet, as far as I can tell, and the surname Harriot would have also maybe been familiar to people. So how do we know that Harriet wasn't originally understood in that way, akin to the rise of Madison as a girl's name today?
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The derivation of Harriet from Henry is well attested. It is an English interpretation of the French name Henriette, which is clearly a feminine diminutive form of Henry. Listen to a French person say Henriette and you will understand why the English heard it as Harriet.
Harry from Henry was derived the same way.
Harry from Henry was derived the same way.
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