Henry

boyGermanicChristian

Henry is a boy name of Germanic, via French origin, meaning “Ruler of the home”.

MeaningRuler of the home
GenderBoy
OriginGermanic, via French
PronunciationHEN-ree
TraditionModern & Classic, Christian
Used inWorldwide

Meaning and origin of Henry

Henry comes from the Germanic Heimirich, from heim, home, and ric, ruler or power. It came to England with the Normans as Henri and was borne by eight English kings, including Henry VIII. Medieval English speakers said 'Harry', which became a name in its own right. Henry has been in steady use for centuries and is currently popular again in many English-speaking countries.

Is Henry a religious name?

Henry is not a biblical name, but several saints bore it, including the emperor Saint Henry II; it is used widely without religious meaning.

How popular is Henry?

A classic name that is popular in the United States, Britain and Australia.

Gifts with the name Henry

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Spellings and variants of Henry

HarryHenriEnriqueHeinrichHendrik

Names similar to Henry

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Henry mean?

Henry means 'Ruler of the home'. It is of Germanic, via French origin.

Does Henry have a religious meaning?

Henry is not a biblical name, but several saints bore it, including the emperor Saint Henry II; it is used widely without religious meaning.

How do you pronounce Henry?

Henry is pronounced HEN-ree.

Is Henry a boy or girl name?

Henry is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.