HENRY
Henry
Origin and Meaning: Henry is a prestigious surname of Old French origin derived from the personal name "Henri," which itself is derived from the Germanic name Heimerich, meaning "home ruler." The surname Henry is patronymic, meaning it originated as a way to identify individuals by their father’s name.
Historical Significance: The surname Henry has a rich historical significance, with notable figures bearing this name throughout British history. One of the most famous historical figures with the surname Henry is King Henry VIII, the monarch who famously had six marriages and played a significant role in the English Reformation.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Henry is widely distributed in the United Kingdom, with significant concentrations in regions with historical ties to the Norman Conquest and subsequent French influence. It is a common surname in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, and has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and colonization.
Famous Individuals:
- King Henry VIII: A prominent historical figure known for his turbulent marital life and role in the English Reformation.
- Patrick Henry: An American attorney and politician who played a key role in the American Revolution, famously known for the phrase “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
Variants: Variants of the surname Henry include Henrie, Henri, Hendry, and Henery. These variations may represent different regional pronunciations or Anglicized forms of the original surname.
Modern Usage: The surname Henry continues to be a popular and well-known surname in contemporary society, with families bearing this name maintaining a sense of pride in their heritage and history. It is often used as a first name as well, reflecting the enduring popularity and influence of individuals associated with the name.
There are approximately 22,414 people named Henry in the UK. That makes it the 376th most common surname in Britain. Around 344 in a million people in Britain are named Henry.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.