Henderson is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the name Henry and the suffix "-son," which means "son of." It was originally given to sons of someone named Henry, and over time became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
The name Henry itself has Old German origins, coming from the elements "heim" meaning "home" and "ric" meaning "powerful." So, Henderson could be interpreted as "powerful home ruler," reflecting perhaps a sense of leadership or strength in its bearers.
There is some debate over whether Henderson should be considered a first name or a surname. While it has been traditionally used as a surname, it has also gained popularity as a given name in recent years, particularly in the United States and Canada.
Historically, Hendersons can trace their roots back to the Scottish Lowlands, where they were often found among the Border Reivers, clans known for their raiding activities along the Anglo-Scottish border. The most notable Henderson clan was based in the region around Lanarkshire, where they held lands and castles.
Today, Henderson is carried by people all over the world, many of whom may not have Scottish ancestry but appreciate the name's unique sound and historical significance. Despite its origins as a surname, Henderson has evolved into a distinctive given name that stands on its own, free from associations with specific traits or characteristics.
The name Henderson has been a consistent presence in the United States for over a century, with a total of 4,170 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. While it experienced peaks and valleys in popularity throughout this period, its overall trend demonstrates resilience and enduring appeal.
In the late 19th century, Henderson's popularity was modest but stable, with an average of around 15 births per year between 1880 and 1896. The turn of the century marked a significant shift, however, as birth rates began to fluctuate more dramatically. Between 1900 and 1923, Henderson's popularity experienced considerable peaks and troughs, ranging from a low of nine births in 1903 to a high of 76 births in 1920.
The decade following World War II saw another significant shift in the name's popularity. Between 1945 and 1955, Henderson experienced a gradual decline in popularity, with birth rates dropping from 44 births in 1945 to just 24 births in 1956. This downward trend continued throughout much of the latter half of the 20th century, reaching an all-time low of nine births in both 1973 and 1985.
However, since the late 1980s, Henderson has begun to regain some of its former popularity. Between 1989 and 2023, birth rates have consistently hovered between 14 and 36 per year, with several notable peaks occurring in recent years, including 55 births in both 2019 and 2020, followed by another peak of 76 births in 2022.
In conclusion, despite experiencing periods of decline throughout the 20th century, the name Henderson has demonstrated remarkable staying power in the United States. Its popularity may ebb and flow over time, but its enduring appeal is undeniable, as evidenced by the consistent birth rates recorded since 1880. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see whether this trend continues or if Henderson's popularity begins to wane once again.