Hamnet

Anglicized form of Danish, Amleth

Hamnet Origin and Meaning

The name Hamnet is a boy's name.

Hamnet is a masculine name of Medieval English origin, most famously associated with William Shakespeare's only son, Hamnet Shakespeare, who died at age 11 in 1596. The name is considered a variation of 'Hamlet,' which itself derives from the Germanic elements 'hām' (home) and the diminutive suffix '-let.' Hamnet was not uncommon in Shakespeare's time but fell into obscurity shortly after the Elizabethan era. Today, it remains extremely rare, occasionally chosen by literary enthusiasts or Shakespeare scholars. Its historical significance far outweighs its actual usage, making it a name that carries substantial cultural weight despite its rarity.

Famous People Named Hamnet

• Hamnet Shakespeare son of William Shakespeare
• Hamnet Holditch English mathematician and academic

The name Hamnet in Pop Culture

• Hamnet the son of Vikus and Solovet in "Gregor The Overlander"