Boy · 15th of 23,106
Henry
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
761,424
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
11,561
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Henry stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Henry has Germanic roots, originating from 'Heimirich', meaning 'ruler of the home'. Its evolution through various forms reflects its long-standing significance, particularly in English and French cultures. The name is currently perceived as strong and classic, with notable historical figures contributing to its popularity.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɛnri/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Henry is derived from the Germanic name 'Heimirich', which is composed of the elements 'heim' meaning 'home' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'king'.
Meaning
Ruler of the home
Language Evolution
Heimirich, Henric, Henri, Henry
Historical Usage
Henry became popular in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, particularly due to the reign of several English kings named Henry.
Variants & Derivatives
Henri, Harry, Hal
Modern Popularity & Image
Henry is currently viewed as a classic and timeless name, often associated with strength and leadership.
Famous People
Henry VIII of England, Henry Ford, Henry David Thoreau, Henry James
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 11,561 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 14 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 16th of 7545 | 185,501 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 27th of 6773 | 131,060 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 64th of 7552 | 114,200 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 115th of 10718 | 42,480 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 135th of 16616 | 35,518 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 93rd of 24088 | 72,840 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 15th of 23106 | 126,817 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 793rd of 9107 | 1,514 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 919th of 9204 | 1,153 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1748th of 12526 | 693 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3048th of 19264 | 366 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5433rd of 27321 | 246 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11595th of 35406 | 125 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8970th of 30306 | 140 |