Henry is a popular choice in the UK, ranked #14 in 2024. There's a good chance they'll share their name with at least one classmate throughout school.
Origin & Meaning
Germanic — Home ruler
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UK Rank 2024
#14
US Rank #6
About the Name Henry
Henry is holding steady in the rankings at #14. It reached its peak of #10 in 2021 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has spent 29 of the last 29 years inside the UK top 100 — a mark of enduring mainstream appeal.
In terms of origin, Henry is rooted in Germanic, where it means "Home ruler". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Henry is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
It ranks similarly in the US at #6, suggesting broad transatlantic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Henry
Unlikely. With around 2,360 UK babies named Henry per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Henry in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Henry has held a stable position around #14 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #10 in 2021 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Henry has Germanic origins and means "Home ruler". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Henry include: Thierry Henry — Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional football coach, pundit, sports broadcaster, and former player.; John W. Henry — John William Henry II is an American businessman and the founder of John W..
Yes — Henry is very popular in the United States, ranked #6 in 2024. It's a transatlantic favourite used widely on both sides of the Atlantic.
2,360
UK babies named Henry (2024)
~0.1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~1.2
In a school of 600
→ Stable
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Henry
Likely around 1 other Henry in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Henry
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional football coach, pundit, sports broadcaster, and former player. One of the greatest players of all time, he is widely regarded as the greatest player in Premier League history.
Henry VIII was King of England from 22 April 1509 until he died in 1547. After the pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry passed legislation that severed England and Ireland from the Roman Catholic Church and established the monarch as Supreme Head of the Church of England, initiating the English Reformation.
Henry V, also called Henry of Monmouth, was King of England from 1413 until his death in 1422. Despite his relatively short reign, Henry's outstanding military successes in the Hundred Years' War against France made England one of the strongest military powers in Europe.
Henry VII, also known as Henry Tudor, was King of England and Lord of Ireland from his seizure of the crown on 22 August 1485 until his death in 1509. He was the first monarch of the House of Tudor.
Henry IV, also known as Henry Bolingbroke (having been born at Bolingbroke Castle), was King of England from 1399 to 1413, Lord of Ireland and duke of Aquitaine. Henry was the son of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a grandson of King Edward III.
Henry II5 March 1133 – 6 July 1189) was King of England from 1154 until his death in 1189. During his reign he controlled England, substantial parts of Wales and Ireland, and much of France (including Normandy, Anjou, and Aquitaine), an area that was later called the Angevin Empire, and also held power over Scotland for a time and the Duchy of Brittany.