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Name Origin

Harriet is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the name Henriette, which itself is a diminutive of Henry. It means 'ruler of the home' or 'home ruler'.

frenchfemininehenriettehenryrulerhome

Famous People

Harriet Tubman (1822-1913)

Abolitionist, Activist

  • Conductor on the Underground Railroad
  • Spy for the Union Army during the Civil War
  • Women's suffrage activist

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)

Novelist, Abolitionist

  • Author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, a bestselling novel that fueled the abolitionist movement

Harriet Monroe (1860-1936)

Poet, Literary Critic, Editor

  • Founded Poetry magazine, a leading publication for American poetry

Harriet Quimby (1875-1912)

Aviator

  • First woman to earn a pilot's license in the United States
  • First woman to fly solo across the English Channel