Henson

Surname Origin: Henson is an English surname of patronymic origin, derived from the given name Henn, itself a diminutive form of the ancient personal name 'Henry'. The name spread widely throughout Britain during the medieval period.

Historical Significance: The surname Henson has a long history in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is thought to have originated in the southern counties of England, particularly in regions such as Devon, Somerset, and Hampshire.

Variants and Spellings: Variants of the Henson surname include Hinson and Henshaw. Different spellings of the surname have emerged over the centuries due to factors such as regional dialects and variations in record-keeping.

Notable Bearers:

  • Jim Henson (1936-1990): An American puppeteer, artist, and entrepreneur, known for creating 'The Muppets' and 'Sesame Street'.
  • Matthew Henson (1866-1955): An African American explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on a number of expeditions to the Arctic, including the 1909 expedition which claimed to be the first to reach the North Pole.
  • Chris Henson: A contemporary British actor known for his roles in theatre and television.

Modern Distribution: The surname Henson remains most common in England, with notable concentrations in regions such as London, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Coat of Arms: The Henson coat of arms features a shield with various symbols and colours, each representing different aspects of the family's history and achievements. The design of the coat of arms can vary depending on the specific branch of the Henson family.

Conclusion: The surname Henson has a rich history and has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Its widespread use and presence in different parts of the world reflect the enduring legacy of the Henson name.

There are approximately 7,397 people named Henson in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,264th most common surname in Britain. Around 114 in a million people in Britain are named Henson.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rachel
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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