Boy name · Germanic

Henry

“Ruler of the home”

Meaning
Ruler of the home
Origin
Germanic
Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity
US top 10
Style
Classic, Sophisticated
Used in
English-speaking countries, French

Nicknames for Henry

What friends, grandparents and the playground will call them, depending on where they grow up.

English
Hank, Harry, Hal
French
Riri

What people expect from a Henry

Henry is built from soft sounds. Studies of name sounds find people expect someone with a soft name to be warm, agreeable and calm. It is very popular right now, so expect another one in the class.

The meaning is about leadership and strength. A name can't give a child leadership, but it's a nice thing to explain to them one day.

A good fit if you hope for: a leader.

Names set expectations, not personalities. What the research says.

Henry: name scorecard

Save your future kid some trouble: give them a name they can live and grow with.

80/100

Good, with a catch or two

Henry

  • International readabilitySimple letters that read the same almost everywhere.
  • Easy to say and spellSays itself: 2 syllables, spelt how it sounds.
  • Not too common, not too strangeVery common right now: expect two in the class and a surname initial forever ("Liam S.").
  • Playground-proofNo obvious rude words or rhymes. Kids are creative, though.
  • Won't get you sued (or refused)Nothing a registrar would object to in most countries.
  • A meaning to be proud ofMeans "Ruler of the home".
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Names with a similar meaning

AlexanderAaronArthurAlejandroNicolasErikMagnusMaximilianEdwardWalter

More Germanic names

WilliamCharlesEverettMiloEmmettCharlieBernardoFernandoBrunoHugo

Did you know?

Boys with the least popular names were more likely to get in trouble with the law as teenagers. The researchers' own conclusion: family background explains most of it, not the name.

Kalist & Lee (2009), Social Science Quarterly

Questions about Henry

What does the name Henry mean?

Henry is a boy's name of Germanic origin meaning "Ruler of the home".

Is Henry a boy or girl name?

Henry is usually a boy's name.

How popular is the name Henry?

Henry is one of the ten most popular names in the US right now. It is used in English-speaking countries, French.

What are nicknames for Henry?

Common nicknames for Henry are Hank, Harry, Hal and Riri.

Fun, but true. Name meanings come from common etymologies, which sometimes disagree. Height and weight paths are estimates from population growth data and published studies, not a medical assessment. If you're worried about your child's growth, talk to your paediatrician. Full disclaimer