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.
The name Henning has seen a varying degree of popularity throughout the years in the United States, with some periods showing more births than others.
From 1913 to 1938, there were several fluctuations in the number of babies named Henning. The highest number of births during this period was 16 in 1915, while the lowest was 5 in both 1927 and 1938.
After a gap of nearly three decades, the name re-emerged with 5 births in 1966. This was followed by another gap until the year 2000, when there were again 5 births.
The early 21st century has seen more consistent usage of the name Henning. From 2000 to present day, there have been at least 5 births each year, with peaks in recent years such as 18 births in 2014 and 16 births in both 2021.
In total, from 1913 to 2023, there have been 287 babies named Henning born in the United States.