The name Henri originates from the French form of the German name Heinrich, which itself derives from the Old German words "heim" meaning home and "ric" meaning power or ruler. It can be traced back to the 11th century in France.

The name gained prominence in medieval France, where it was borne by several French kings, including Henri I (1008-1060), Henri II (1519-1559), and Henri IV (1553-1610), the latter being one of the most celebrated monarchs in French history known for issuing the Edict of Nantes granting religious tolerance.

In the realm of literature, the name appears in works such as the 12th-century epic poem "Perceval, the Story of the Grail" by Chrétien de Troyes, where the character Henri de Laon is mentioned.

Other notable historical figures with the name Henri include Henri de Navarre (1244-1274), a French nobleman and crusader, and Henri Arnault (1718-1784), a French playwright and dramatist.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in the 11th-century chronicle "Gesta Normannorum Ducum" by William of Jumièges, which mentions a Norman knight named Henri de Ferrières who participated in the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

In the arts, the name has been borne by Henri Matisse (1869-1954), the renowned French painter and sculptor, and Henri Rousseau (1844-1910), the self-taught painter known as "Le Douanier Rousseau."

Other famous Henris throughout history include Henri Becquerel (1852-1908), the French physicist who discovered radioactivity, and Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004), the influential French photographer known for his pioneering work in street photography.