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.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Hensel experienced a brief period of popularity during the early 20th century in the United States. In fact, between 1918 and 1930, there were a total of 40 babies born with this name. The peak years for this name seem to be around the late teens and early twenties, with eight births recorded in 1919 and six births each in 1923 and 1925. However, it's worth noting that even during its most popular years, Hensel was not a particularly common name. It would appear that Hensel has since fallen out of fashion, as there are no more records of babies named Hensel after 1930 in the United States. This could suggest that this name may have been passed down through generations within specific families or communities during this time period. Nonetheless, despite its relative rarity, Hensel remains a unique and historic name in American naming history.