Henry is the French version of the German baby name Heinrich. It is a name that has commonly been used throughout royal families in Europe, including those in France, Germany, and England. Henry does have a vintage feel though, making it even a popular name that is on the top 10 list in modern times.
Meaning of the name Henry:
German: estate ruler, home ruler
Origin of the name Henry:
Henry comes from the Germanic name “Heimirich,” which later turned into the name “Heinrich” which is more similar to Henry. German royalty began to use “Heinrich” among their families, popularizing this name throughout Germany and even France. During the Norman War, the name Henry, which was the French version, was brought to England. In England, it again became popularized as it became a very royal name.
Symbolism of the name Henry:
The name Heimirich which the baby name Henry comes from also means “estate ruler” or “home ruler.” Henry continues to use the original meaning of its original name, with the root word “heim” meaning “home” and “ric” meaning “ruler.”
Style of the name Henry:
Traditional
Gender of the name Henry:
The baby name Henry has only been used for boys.
Pronunciation of the name Henry:
HEHN-ree
Number of syllables in the name Henry:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Henry:
Henry feels like a very formal and mannerly baby name. It is very mature and classic.
Alternative spellings for the name Henry:
- Henri
- Hennree
- Hennri
- Hennrie
- Hennry
- Henrey
Nicknames for the name Henry:
- Hen
- Ree
- Henny
- Harry
- Hal
- Hanky
- Rye
Popularity of the name Henry:
In the year 2020, the baby name Henry ranked at number nine on the Social Security Index, which is the highest rank the name has had in the last 120 years. Prior to 2020, the name was on the top 20 list from 2017 to 2019. It was on the top 50 list from 2012 to 2016, and the top 100 list from 2006 to 2011. The last time that Henry had a high ranking was from 1900 to 1927 when it was on the top 20 list, and from 1928 to 1968 when it was on the top 100 list.
Related names for the name Henry:
Great middle names for Henry and their meanings:
- Adam (son of the red earth)
- James (heel, supplanter)
- Ryan (little king)
- Patrick (ruler)
- Owen (young warrior, noble)
- Grant (tall, big)
- Ford (river crossing)
Famous people with the name Henry:
- Henry Ford (inventor of the assembly line)
- Henry Thoreau (author, “Walking”)
- Henry Haggard (author, “Ayesha”)
- Henry Winkler (actor, “Happy Days”)
- Henry Longfellow (poet, “Evangeline”)
- Henry Cavill (actor, “Man of Steel”)
- Henry Fonda (actor, “12 Angry Men”)
Henrys in popular culture:
- Henry Wotton (character in “The Picture of Dorian Gray”)
- Henry Clerval (character in “Frankenstein”)
- Henry Winter (character in “The Secret History”)
- Henry Rowengartner (character in “Rookie of the Year”)
- Henry Denton (character on “We are the Ants”)
- Henry(character from “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”)