Henny

Feminine variation of Henry, German

"estate ruler"

Henny Origin and Meaning

The name Henny is a girl's name.

Henny is a feminine name with multiple origins. In Germanic languages, it functions as a diminutive of Hendrika or Henrietta, ultimately derived from the masculine Henry, meaning 'home ruler'. In Jewish communities, it often serves as a Yiddish nickname for Hannah, meaning 'grace'. The name gained modest popularity in the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking nations. Henny carries a warm, friendly quality with its accessible pronunciation and cheerful sound. The name also has cultural ties to Dutch heritage and Ashkenazi Jewish traditions. In recent years, it has occasionally been rediscovered by parents seeking vintage names with cross-cultural appeal and simple charm.

Famous People Named Henny

• Henrietta "Henny" Backus American actress and showgirl
• Frieda Ulricke "Henny" Porten German actress and producer
• Henny Moan Norwegian actress
• Henny Vrienten Dutch male musician

The name Henny in Pop Culture

• Henny Penny aka Chicken Little chicken who believes the sky is falling, in a famous folk tale
• Henrietta "Henny " character in Sydney Taylor's "All,of,a,Kind Family"