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Henrietta

Girl name · 29 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Henrietta: 29 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 2021.

Henrietta is the feminine form of Henry, ultimately from the Germanic *Heimrich*, meaning 'home ruler'. It entered English through the French Henriette and became popular in the 17th century. Perhaps the most famous bearer is Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells (HeLa) became one of the most important tools in medical research. The name also belonged to Henrietta Maria, queen consort of Charles I, after whom the colony of Maryland was named (in honour of his wife) and who also lent her name to Henrietta Street in London and various places in the American colonies. In Scotland, the variant Harriet—rooted in the same French source—has long been the more familiar choice, though Henrietta retains a classic, quietly dignified air and is occasionally revived for modern babies.