All about the name

Hensel

Male

« Hensel is a rare German given name derived from the occupational surname Hensel, meaning 'little hen'. It has been used in Germany since the Middle Ages and may also be considered a short form of Henning, meaning 'home ruler'. »

#23108 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Hensel is a rare and unique given name of German origin. It is derived from the German surname Hensel, which is an occupational name for a poultry dealer or keeper. The name Hensel is composed of two elements: "hen" meaning chicken, and "-sel" which is a diminutive suffix. The name Hensel does not have a specific meaning beyond its literal translation as "little hen." However, it has been used as a given name in Germany since the Middle Ages. In some cases, Hensel may also be considered a short form of the German compound name Henning, which means "home ruler." Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Hensel. One famous example is Ernst Hensel (1850-1905), a German composer and pianist who was known for his lieder and chamber music. He was a prominent figure in the musical life of Berlin during the late 19th century. In literature, the name Hensel appears as a character in the novel "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende. In this fantastical tale, Hensel is one of the inhabitants of the mystical world of Fantastica, where he plays a small but memorable role. Overall, while not a particularly common given name, Hensel has a unique and interesting origin story rooted in German history and culture. Its literal translation as "little hen" gives it a playful and approachable quality, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Hensel since 1880

Total births
40
Total since 1880
Peak year
1919
8 births
in 1930
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years