All about the name

Henning

Male

« Henning is a Scandinavian name of Old Norse origin, derived from Hénninn, composed of "hanging" and "man," translating literally as "the hanging man. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Henning is a name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway and Denmark. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Hénninn, which is composed of the elements henginn, meaning "hanging," and man, referring to "man." Therefore, Henning translates literally as "the hanging man," though it's important to note that this does not refer to any specific historical figure or event. The name Henning has a long history in Scandinavia. It was first used in Norway during the Middle Ages and gained popularity over time due to its association with several notable figures throughout history. For instance, Henning Schjettli was a 16th-century Danish chronicler who wrote an important historical work called "The History of Denmark." Additionally, there were various bishops named Henning in Norway during the medieval period. Despite its fascinating past, Henning remains relatively uncommon outside of Scandinavia. However, it has started to appear more frequently in other parts of Europe and even beyond as a unique yet not overly exotic choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. In recent years, some celebrities have also chosen this name for their children, helping to increase its visibility internationally. In terms of popularity, Henning tends to rank higher among boys' names in Norway and Denmark compared to other countries. According to Norwegian statistics from 2019, it was the 86th most popular boy's name that year. Meanwhile, in Denmark during the same period, it ranked 147th for boys. Overall, Henning is an interesting and historic Scandinavian name with a unique meaning that sets it apart from many other names. Its association with prominent figures throughout history adds to its appeal as a strong and distinctive choice for parents seeking something different yet not entirely unfamiliar.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Henning since 1880

Total births
287
Total since 1880
Peak year
2014
18 births
in 2023
11
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-9%
vs previous 5 years