Today's name is HARRIET. I used to think this was a horrid name - I thought it was horribly old-fashioned and surely would doom your little girl to a life of spinsterhood and playground taunts. Most likely this opinion of mine was formed by the television series, Little House on the Prairie. Laura Ingall's nemesis, the evil Nellie's mother was named Harriet in the tv show. (I don't recall Nellie's mom being named Harriet in the books, but I could be wrong.)
Anyhow, lately I have noticed a resurgance of "Harriet" as a baby name - both used as a first and middle name - in Great Britain. I would say it is almost on the verge of trendiness across the pond, although I can't say I've seen any little Harriets on this side of the Atlantic . . .
The name is the feminine form of Harry (also a name rising in popularity, no doubt somewhat influenced by the dashing Prince Henry of Wales, and of course, Harry Potter) and is a reputed to be derived from the French name "Henriette." Alternate spellings include Harriette, Harriett, and Harriott. Besides Nellie Olsen's mum, the most popular references to Harriet in modern day culture are of course "Ozzie and Harriet" and the charming children's novel, "Harriet the Spy."
In conclusion, I must say my opinion of Harriet as a quirky old-maid's name has changed; these days I am rather intrigued by it and it's slowly growing on me. But maybe it's just my propensity to gravitate towards "H" names : )
Harriet
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