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 experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, as indicated by these annual birth statistics from 1880 to 2023. The name reached its peak in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a high of 1825 births in 1915. However, it began to decline steadily in usage throughout the mid-20th century, reaching an all-time low of just 55 births in 1953.
After this low point, Hattie saw some resurgence in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a peak of 76 births in 1980. The name then experienced another decline but has shown signs of revival in recent years, with birth numbers increasing from 255 in 2011 to 801 in 2023.
Overall, the name Hattie has been used consistently over time, albeit with significant fluctuations in popularity. Its highest usage decades were during the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries, while its lowest points occurred during the mid-20th century and early 21st century. Despite these ups and downs, Hattie has maintained a total of 103,447 births from 1880 to 2023.