MallowbyNames

Henny

HEN-ee · Of uncertain origin, possibly a diminutive of Henry or Henrietta, meaning 'home ruler' or 'estate ruler'.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,607
Babies named in 2025
66
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 24,353 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1987

Rising since 1987, #2,607 for girls today.

Popularity of Henny since 1921

Babies named Henny per year in U.S. Social Security records.

22446619602000Most births 2025GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1920s053
1930s05
1940s00
1950s00
1960s00
1970s180
1980s380
1990s970
2000s2180
2010s3590
2020s3260

Meaning & origin

Henny, though modest in usage, has shown a steady upward trajectory since the late 1980s. First recorded in 1970, it reached its peak rank of 2,607 in 2025, with an estimated 1 in 24,353 babies given the name that year. Historically, Henny is a diminutive of Henry or Henrietta, names rooted in the Germanic elements 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (power, ruler). In the United States, it has emerged as a standalone given name, likely influenced by the trend of using nickname-style names as full first names. Geographically, the name has seen modest popularity in New York and New Jersey, suggesting some regional preference. While never a top-tier choice, Henny's gentle, vintage charm appeals to parents looking for a short, friendly name that feels both familiar and distinctive.

Henny is primarily a diminutive or pet form of Henry or Henrietta, names of Germanic origin derived from 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (power, ruler). It has been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the 20th century in the United States, often as a nickname that became established as a standalone name.

Where Henny is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Sibling names for Henny

Names that share Henny's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

H is for Henny, our favorite little girl.

H is for Henny…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Henny's letter becomes Henny's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Henny's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Henny mean?
Henny is generally considered a diminutive of Henry or Henrietta, so it carries the meaning 'home ruler' or 'estate ruler' from its Germanic roots. However, it can also be used as a standalone name without a specific independent meaning.
How popular is the name Henny?
Henny is relatively rare. In 2025, it ranked 2,607th in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 24,353 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity has been slowly rising since the late 1980s.
Is Henny a boy or girl name?
Henny is most commonly used as a girl's name, though historically it can be a nickname for Henry (masculine). In modern U.S. usage, it is predominantly feminine.