Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
The title of the Welsh national anthem, meaning 'Land of My Fathers', reflecting the use of 'Hen' in Welsh to mean 'old' or 'ancient'.
IPA Pronunciation
hษn
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Syllables
Hen is often a diminutive or short form of Henry or Hendrik, names deriving from the Germanic 'Heimirich,' meaning 'home ruler.' It carries connotations of leadership, protection, and domestic strength. Historically, Hen has also been used as a standalone name or nickname in various cultures, especially in Welsh and Scandinavian regions.
Cultural Significance of Hen
Hen as a name has roots in Germanic and Welsh cultures, often serving as a familiar or affectionate form of longer traditional names like Henry. It symbolizes leadership and home protection, reflecting the importance of family and community roles in medieval European societies. In Wales, 'Hen' also means 'old' or 'ancient,' highlighting respect for heritage and ancestry.
Hen Name Popularity in 2025
Today, Hen is gaining recognition as a trendy, minimalist unisex name, appealing to parents looking for short, strong, and meaningful names that work across genders. Its simplicity and historical depth make it versatile, while its use as a standalone name or nickname fits modern preferences for approachable and easy-to-pronounce baby names.
Name Energy & Essence
The name Hen carries the essence of โRuler; home ruler; short form of Henry or Hendrikโ from Germanic tradition. Names beginning with "H" often embody qualities of healing, humanitarian spirit, and vision.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Hen as a name has roots in Germanic and Welsh cultures, often serving as a familiar or affectionate form of longer traditional names like Henry. It symbolizes leadership and home protection, reflecting the importance of family and community roles in medieval European societies. In Wales, 'Hen' also means 'old' or 'ancient,' highlighting respect for heritage and ancestry.
Hen Ogledd
Term meaning 'Old North', referring to early medieval kingdoms of Northern Britain, where 'Hen' denotes 'old' or 'ancient'.
Henricus de Hen
Medieval scholar and cleric from the 13th century; 'Hen' used as a surname or short form in medieval records.
Henri de Hen
A noble figure from medieval Europe, illustrating the use of Hen as a short form for Henry.
Henricus Henrici
Prominent medieval theologian and philosopher, showing the common use of Hen as a root for Henry variants.
Henrietta Hen
An aristocratic woman from early modern Europe, demonstrating the feminine adaptation of Hen-root names.
Henri de Navarre
Also known as Henry IV of France; often affectionately shortened to Hen in some historical texts.
Henrietta Maria
Queen consort of England, Scotland and Ireland; 'Hen' is a common nickname for Henrietta.
Henrik Ibsen
Playwright
Henri Matisse
Artist
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Photographer
Henry Cavill
Actor
Henrietta Lacks
Medical patient
Henrietta Swan Leavitt
Astronomer
Henrik Lundqvist
Ice hockey player
Henrietta Maria of France
Queen consort
The Secret of Henrietta Lacks ()
Henrietta the Hun ()
Henry & June ()
The Lady and the Tramp ()
Henrietta's War ()
Henrietta Lacks ()
Henry V ()
The Hen House ()
Parents: Carrie Fisher and Bryan Lourd
Henri
๐Spanish
Henri
๐French
Hein
๐German
Enrico
๐Italian
ใใณ (Hen)
๐Japanese
ไบจ (Hฤng)
๐Chinese
ููู (Hin)
๐Arabic
Fun Fact About Hen
Hen is also the English word for a female chicken, which adds a quirky and endearing charm to the name, especially as a playful nickname.
Personality Traits for Hen
Individuals named Hen often embody leadership, warmth, and reliability. They may be seen as protective and nurturing, with a grounded and steady nature. The name suggests a blend of strength and approachability, making those named Hen natural caretakers and dependable friends.
What does the name Hen mean?
Hen is a Germanic name meaning โRuler; home ruler; short form of Henry or Hendrikโ. Hen is often a diminutive or short form of Henry or Hendrik, names deriving from the Germanic 'Heimirich,' meaning 'home ruler.' It carries connotations of leadership, protection, and domestic strength. Historically, Hen has also been used as a standalone name or nickname in various cultures, especially in Welsh and Scandinavian regions.
How do you pronounce Hen?
Hen is pronounced (IPA: hษn). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Hen?
Popular nicknames for Hen include: Henny, Henno, Henster, Henri, Hens, Hen-Hen, Henley, Henzo, Henkin, Henriq.
Who are famous people named Hen?
Famous people named Hen include: , , , , .
Which celebrities named their baby Hen?
Celebrity babies named Hen include children of: Carrie Fisher and Bryan Lourd.
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Hen is a beautiful Germanic name meaning โRuler; home ruler; short form of Henry or Hendrikโ. Hen is often a diminutive or short form of Henry or Hendrik, names deriving from the Germanic 'Heimirich,' meaning 'home ruler.' It carries connotations of leadership, protection, and domestic strengt...
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