Hensley first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Hensley has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Hensley

A masculine name of English origin derived from the surname meaning "hazel wood".

Popularity of Hensley by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Hensley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 93% of people named Hensley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 96 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Hensley.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 96
2022 16 138
2021 9 175
2020 5 221
2019 8 196
2018 14 208
2017 7 174
2016 7 164
2015 10 115
2014 9 90
2013 11 53
2012 7 46
2011 7 39
2010 5 29
2009 5 28
2008 6 20
2007 0 10
2006 0 11
2005 0 10
2004 7 10
2003 5 6
2002 0 8
2000 0 6
1998 0 6
1995 0 5
1992 6 0

The history of the first name Hensley

The name Hensley is of English origin and has its roots in the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from a combination of the Old English words "henn," meaning "chicken," and "leah," meaning "meadow" or "woodland clearing." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived near a meadow or clearing where chickens were kept.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hensley can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name is listed as "Henneslegh," indicating its presence in medieval England.

In the 13th century, a Hensley family was recorded as landowners in the county of Staffordshire, England. This family likely played a role in perpetuating the name's usage throughout the centuries.

Historically, the name Hensley has been associated with individuals from various walks of life. One notable bearer of the name was John Hensley (c. 1550-1618), an English clergyman and author who served as the rector of Rendlesham in Suffolk.

Another prominent figure was Sir Robert Hensley (1789-1872), a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and later became a Member of Parliament.

In the realm of art, Hensley Stevens (1892-1976) was an American painter and printmaker known for his landscapes and cityscapes, particularly those depicting his native New England.

Moving to the world of literature, Hensley Peterson (1929-2005) was an acclaimed American novelist and short story writer whose works explored themes of family, relationships, and the human condition.

Lastly, Hensley Meulens (born 1967) is a former professional baseball player from CuraƧao who played in Major League Baseball for several teams and later became a coach and manager in the league.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Hensley, showcasing its enduring presence across various cultures and professions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Hensley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Hensley, please contact us.

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"Hensley first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 2, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/hensley-meaning-and-history/.

"Hensley first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/hensley-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 2 June, 2025

Hensley first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/hensley-meaning-and-history/.

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