Alternatives to Henry
- Guthrie
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"windy place"Description:
Guthrie, one of the most attractive Scottish names that's also a surname, has a particularly romantic, windswept aura, with a touch of the buckaroo thrown in.
- Hadley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"heathery field"Description:
Hemingway readers will recognize this as the name of Papa's first wife (and, eventually, actress Mariel's grandmother). But in Victorian times, Hadley and Hedley were actually more popular for boys.
- Hal
Origin:
Diminutive of Harold and HenryDescription:
Could Hal be the Jack, Max, or Gus of the future? It just might happen in the new nickname environment. Hank Azaria put it on his son's birth certificate.
- Hank
Origin:
Diminutive of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Hank is a midcentury guy nickname (which actually dates back to the seventeenth century) of the Al/Hal/Dick school, which has been on recess from the playground for decades. Now it's just beginning to be given on its own again, appreciated for its earthy, sportsguy cool. Hanks Aaron and Greenberg (born Henry) and Hank Williams (born Hiram) Sr and Jr. are worthy namesakes.
- Hanley
- Harley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hare clearing"Description:
You can ride one, you can use it as a baby name – or, as is often the case, both! Harley is currently trending up for girls and down for boys in the US, although it remains predominantly masculine in the UK. A lesser-used -ley ending choice for boys, Harley has a current sound but an old-school biker appeal.
- Harold
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"army ruler"Description:
The name of the last Anglo-Saxon king of England before the Norman conquest, and a name that's long been associated with a pipe-smoking, bespectacled grandpa or uncle.
- Harriet
Origin:
English variation of French HenrietteMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider it.
- Harris
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Harry"Description:
When Harrison is too much, but Harry isn't enough, try this stylish surname name with a touch of British flair. It briefly reentered the US Top 1000 for the first time since 1988 in 2016, but has since dropped just below the radar again.
- Harrison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Harry"Description:
Harrison, a name made viable by Harrison Ford, is increasingly popular with parents who want an H name that's more formal than Harry or Hank but doesn't veer into the stiff Huntington-Harrington territory.
- Harry
Origin:
Diminutive of HenryMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Harry is the medieval English form of Henry, which derived from the Germanic name Heimrich, meaning "estate ruler." Harry was the nickname of all eight King Henrys; it is also a diminutive of Harold and Harrison.
- Hartley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"stag meadow"Description:
Smart and sharp but with a touch of heart and charm, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to Harley, Harvey, Artie, or Harry. Quietly used as a masculine name throughout the 20th century, the arrival of two celebrity-baby girl Hartleys in 2010 has meant the name has been used as a predominantly feminine one in recent years. However, since 2020, Hartley has doubled in use for boys too, and was give to a modest 30 in 2023. .
- Harvey
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"battle worthy"Description:
Harvey, which was brought to England by the Normans, is a genial, old-timey name that has been much more popular across the pond in the UK. It was a Top 100 choice in England & Wales from 1997 until 2021, though 2022 saw it fall just slightly.
- Heike
Origin:
German, Frisian and DutchMeaning:
"home ruler"Description:
A form of Heinrich or Henrike (Henry in English), as well as of their feminine counterparts. Now most commonly feminine, but certainly an attractive choice for either sex.
- Hendrik
Origin:
Dutch and Scandinavian variation of HenryDescription:
A bit stiff and formal for American use.
- Hendrix
Origin:
Dutch and German, from first name HendrikMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Hendrix is one of those hip rock and roll names, like Lennon, Jagger and Presley, that have been used by fellow celebs and others, to honor the seminal guitarist/singer/songwriter Jimi. And this one has the trendy 'x' ending, as well, helping to propel it up the charts and into the spotlight.
- Henley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"high meadow"Description:
The name of a British town on the Thames that hosts a famous regatta, so it could be an appropriate middle name for the son of boat-lovers.
- Henny
Origin:
Diminutive of Henry and HendrikMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
A cute short form of Hendrick given to boys in the Netherlands.
- Henri
Origin:
French and Finnish variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
- Henrietta
Origin:
Feminine variation of HenryMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Despite a return to such feminizations of male names as Josephine, Clementine, and Theodora, starchy Henrietta has not made it into that group. Still, if you look hard enough, you'll see that Henrietta has the same vintage charm.