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boy name · Germanic origin

Henry

/ HEN-ree /
Boy Germanic 2 syllables
Meaning
Henry means Home ruler (Germanic).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Germanic
Pronunciation
HEN-ree
Popularity
#5 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Henry in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Henry first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2025, when 12,020 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 12,020.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Henry popular?

Near its peak Henry is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

US babies given the name Henry, by decade
2020s 68,047
2010s 92,585
2000s 42,760
1990s 25,249
1980s 20,728
1970s 23,511
1960s 39,134
1950s 62,230
1940s 72,488
1930s 70,419
1920s 104,552
1910s 79,667
1900s 21,772
1890s 21,664
1880s 24,139

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Henry mean?

Henry is a Germanic name meaning “home ruler,” from heim (“home”) and ric (“ruler”). It has been borne by eight English kings.

Nicknames for Henry

  • Harry
  • Hank
  • Hal

Variants & spellings

  • Henri
  • Enrique
  • Heinrich

Names like Henry

Germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.

Names that pair well with Henry

Popular Germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Henry mean?

Henry means Home ruler. Henry is a Germanic name meaning “home ruler,” from heim (“home”) and ric (“ruler”). It has been borne by eight English kings.

What is the origin of the name Henry?

Henry is of Germanic origin.

How do you pronounce Henry?

Henry is pronounced “HEN-ree.”

Is Henry a boy or a girl name?

Henry is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Henry a popular name right now?

Henry is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

How popular is the name Henry?

In 2025, Henry ranked #5 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Henry most popular?

Henry was most popular in 2025, when about 12,020 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What are common nicknames for Henry?

Common nicknames for Henry include Harry, Hank, Hal.

What names are similar to Henry?

Names similar to Henry include Theodore, Arthur, Edward, George.

What names go well with Henry?

Germanic names that pair well with Henry include Robert, William, Charles, Emma, Amelia.