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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The name Henry is tied to the ancient French culture that is at the heart of Western civilization. It comes from this particular name was devised in Brittany, in the northwest of the country. The Germanic personal name, Heinrich, which is composed of the elements "heim", which means "home", and "ric", which means "power".

Early Origins of the Henry family

The surname Henry was first found in Brittany (French: Bretagne, Breton: Breizh,) where the family stems from Vaurouil and de la Motte-Henry, villages in Saint-Gilles, to the west of Rennes, in the former barony of Gaël-Montfort.

Henry of Marcy, or Henry de Marsiac, (c. 1136-1189) was a Cistercian abbot, first of Hautecombe in Savoy (1160-1177), and then of Clairvaux, from 1177 until 1179.

Hamon Henry, a knight, was recorded in 1218. Hervé Henry, a knight, went on a crusade in 1248. In 1364, Olivier Henry, the lord of Vaurouil, fought in Airau. His son, Pierre, was a member of a record of Olivier de Clisson, in 1375. He married Céleste Madeuc and they had two sons: Guillaume, the father of the branch of Vaurouil, which became extinct in the 17th century, and Pierre, the lord of Boishélio, in Ploërmel, in 1407. Jean Henry, the grandson of Pierre, was a knight and the lord of Quengo, through his alliance with Marguerite du Quengo, around 1520. The branch founded by their youngest son, Julien, a general captain of the archers of the cathedral town of Vannes, affirmed his nobility status in 1669.

Louis-Bonaventure Henry, the count of Quengo (1659-1714), married Hélène Rolland des Aulnais, the lady of Villejan, in Allineuc, in 1682. They had three sons: Pierre, the count of Quengo and a battalion commander; Michel, the captain of the regiment at Béarn and a knight of Saint Louis; and Louis-Joseph, a knight of Kergoët, the lord of Hardouin (1689-1756). 1

Early History of the Henry family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Henry research. Another 196 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1218, 1248, 1364, 1375, 1407, 1520, 1625, 1632, 1648, 1659, 1669, 1682, 1689, 1704, 1714, 1718, 1756, 1792, 1819, 1829, 1836, 1840, 1846 and 1898 are included under the topic Early Henry History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Henry Spelling Variations

French surnames were subject to numerous spelling alterations depending on the region and time it was used. The early development of the French language relied heavily on borrowing elements and grammar from other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Henry is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Henry, Henri, Henrie, Henriette, Henriet, Henrion, Henriot, Henrich, Henrichet, Henrichon, Henrat, Henraux, Henrot, Henrotte, Henroutet, Henriquet and many more.

Early Notables of the Henry family

Notable amongst this name at this time was

  • Joseph Henry, a marine volunteer in 1792 under the knight of Kersaint, a knight of Saint Louis (1819), the commander of the frigate, "la Nymphe", the captain of the vessels of the King (1829), the com...

Henry World Ranking

In the United States, the name Henry is the 133rd most popular surname with an estimated 169,116 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Henry is ranked the 232nd most popular surname with an estimated 17,410 people with that name. 3 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Henry is the 363rd popular surname. 4 France ranks Henry as 38th with 46,229 people. 5 Australia ranks Henry as 290th with 12,138 people. 6 New Zealand ranks Henry as 203rd with 2,743 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Henry as 360th with 17,384 people. 8

United States Henry migration to the United States +

French settlers came early to North American, following in the wake of the explorers, and creating New France. Quebec City, founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain is said to have been the first American site founded as a permanent settlement, rather than as just a commercial outpost. But emigration was slow, in 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 French people in Quebec, and by 1663, when the region was officially made The Royal Colony of New France, by Louis XIV, there still only around 500 settlers. Over 2,000 would arrive during the next decade. Early marriage was desperately encouraged amongst the immigrants. Youths of 18 took fourteen-year-old girls for their wives. The fur trade was developed and attracted immigrants, both noble and commoner from France. By 1675, there were around 7000 French in the colony, and by that same year the Acadian presence in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had reached 500. In 1755, 10,000 French Acadians refused to take an oath of allegiance to England and were deported to Louisiana. Despite the loss of the Colony to England, the French people flourished in Lower Canada. Among settlers to North America of the Henry surname were

Henry Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Wm Henry, aged 18, who arrived in Bermuda, (Somers Islands) in 1635 aboard the ship "Truelove" 9
  • Andrew Henry, who arrived in Virginia in 1651 10
  • David Henry, who arrived in Virginia in 1654 10
  • Richard Henry, who landed in Virginia in 1655 10
  • William Henry, who arrived in Maryland in 1659 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Henry Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • John Henry, who landed in Virginia in 1704 10
  • Danl Henry, who landed in Virginia in 1713 10
  • John Francis Henry, who landed in South Carolina in 1739 10
  • John Frederik Henry, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1741 10
  • Marian Henry, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1746 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Henry Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John Henry, who landed in New York in 1803 10
  • John Henry, aged 18, who arrived in New York, NY in 1804 10
  • Jean Henry, who arrived in Louisiana in 1805-1809 10
  • John Henry, who arrived in Virginia in 1807 10
  • John Henry, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Henry Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • David George Henry, who landed in St Clair County, Illinois in 1900 10
  • Adolf Henry, who landed in Arkansas in 1903 10
  • Mrs. Edith B Henry, (b. 1868), aged 35, American settler returning from Mevagissey, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 10th October 1903 en route to New York, USA 11
  • Mr. John Henry, (b. 1875), aged 28, Cornish clerk travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 19th September 1903 en route to New York, USA 11

Canada Henry migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Henry Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
  • Edmond Henry, who arrived in Canada in 1662
  • Mr. Edmé Henry, French settler travelling to Canada for work arriving on 1st May 1662 12
Henry Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Vincent Henry, son of Vincent and Marie, who married Marie-Suzanne Mouflet, daughter of Jea nand Anne, in Montreal, Quebec on 25th February 1710 13
  • Louis Henry, son of Marin and Jeanne, who married Marie-Josephte Germain, daughter of Jean and Catherine, in Sainte-Geneviève, Quebec on 21st February 1735 13
  • Pierre Henry, son of Robert and Marie-Madeleine, who married Marguerite Brasseaux, daughter of Mathieu and Jeanne, in Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia on 2nd May 1736 13
  • Jean Henry, son of Mathurin and Geneviève, who married Marguerite Poulin, daughter of Claude and Marguerite, in Saint-Joachim, Quebec on 21st November 1746 13
  • Hugh Henry, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Henry Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Job Henry, aged 20, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
  • James Henry, aged 36, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Betsy Heron" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Margaret Henry, aged 25, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Betsy Heron" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Patrick Henry, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the ship "Britannia" from Sligo, Ireland
  • Matthew Henry, aged 18, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the ship "Britannia" from Sligo, Ireland
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Australia Henry migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Henry Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. William Henry, (b. 1778), aged 22, English farmer who was convicted in Kent, England for 7 years for burglary, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1862 14
  • Mr. Robert Henry, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in December 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
  • Mr. Benjamin Henry, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Dromedary" on 11th September 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 16
  • Mr. George William Henry, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life , transported aboard the "Commodore Hayes" in April 1823, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 17
  • Thomas Henry, a spinner, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Henry migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Henry Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr Henry, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841
  • Thomas Henry, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1843
  • Miss Mary Henry, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Martaban" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 8th October 1856 18
  • R.W. Henry, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Ann Wilson" in 1857
  • Mrs. Ann Henry, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Egmont" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 14th June 1858 18
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

West Indies Henry migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 19
Henry Settlers in West Indies in the 18th Century
  • Guillaume Henry, aged 17, who arrived in Cuba in 1785 10

Contemporary Notables of the name Henry (post 1700) +

  • William A. Henry III (1950-1994), award-winning American cultural critic and author awarded the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism
  • Patrick Henry (1736-1799), Famous for saying "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!"
  • Clarence Henry II (1937-2024), known as Clarence "Frogman" Henry, an American rhythm and blues singer and pianist, best known for his hits "Ain't Got No Home" (1956) and "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" (1961)
  • Thomas Christopher "Tom" Henry (1951-2024), American businessman and politician, 35th Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 2008 until his death, President and CEO of the Gallant Group, an insurance agency specializing in healthcare consulting
  • Beulah Louise Henry (1887-1973), American inventor, nicknamed "Lady Edison," best known for her bobbin-free sewing machine, hair curler and vacuum ice cream freezer, she received 49 patents and had over 110 inventions total
  • Brian Tyree Henry (b. 1982), American actor and Academy Award nominee and Primetime Emmy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Tony award nominee, best known for his roles in Causeway (2022), Atlanta (2016–2022), This Is Us (2016-2022) and Bullet Train (2022)
  • John Raymond Henry (1943-2022), American sculptor, known for his huge welded steel works
  • Samuel William "Sam" Henry (1956-2022), American drummer, best known for his work with the punk rock group The Wipers, inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame in 2011
  • Martha Henry CC OOnt (1938-2021), née Buhs, American-born Canadian stage, film, and television actress, best known for her work at the Stratford Festival in Canada
  • Gloria Henry (1923-2021), born Gloria Eileen McEniry, an American actress, best known for her role as Alice Mitchell, Dennis’s mother, from 1959 to 1963 on the CBS family sitcom Dennis the Menace
  • ... (Another 30 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Mount Mulligan Mine
  • John Henry, Australian coal miner who was killed in the Mount Mulligan Mine explosion in 1921
Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie)
  • Dora Henrietta Henry (1932-1988), Scottish resident of Lockerbie from Scotland, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 20
  • Maurice Peter Henry (1925-1988), Scottish resident of Lockerbie from Scotland, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 20
RMS Lusitania
  • Mrs. Catherine Henry, American 3rd Class passenger from New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 21
RMS Titanic
  • Miss Bridget Delia Henry (d. 1912), aged 23, Irish Third Class passenger from Clonown, Roscommon who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 22
SS Atlantic
  • Mr. James Henry, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
USS Arizona
  • Mr. John W. Henry, American Ensign working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 23

Suggested Readings for the name Henry +

  • The Fran‡ois Henry Family by Barbara P. Quealy.
  • A Genealogical and Biographical History of the Field Family of Massachusetts and Vermont and the French-Henry Families of Virginia and Texas: A Union of North and South by Charles Kellogg Field III.
  1. Hozier, Charles D, and Antoine Bachelin-Delforenne. État présent De La Noblesse française (1883-1887): Contenant Le Distionnaire De La Noblesse Contemporaine Et Larmorial général De France, Dapres Les Manuscrits De Ch. D Hozier. Librairie Des Bibliophiles, 1884. Print.
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  4. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  5. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  10. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  11. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  12. Debien, Gabriel. Liste Des Engagés Pour Le Canada Au XVIIe Siècle. Vol. 6, Laval University, 1952. (Retreived 24th May 2018). Retrieved from https://lebloguedeguyperron.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/130-liste-des-contrats-dengagement-pour-la-nouvelle-france-releves-a-la-rochelle-entre-1634-et-1679/
  13. Internoscia, Arthur E., and Claire Chevrier. Dictionnaire National des Canadiens Français 1608-1760. Vol. 1, Institut Drouin, 1958.
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dromedary
  17. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th March 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/commodore-hayes
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  20. Pan Am Flight 103's victims: A list of those killed 25 years ago | syracuse.com. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/pan_am_flight_103s_victims_a_list_of_those_killed_25_years_ago.html
  21. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  22. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  23. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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