Find out how popular the first name Henson has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Henson by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Henson is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 30 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Henson.

The history of the first name Henson

The name Henson has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the words "henn" meaning "chicken" and "son" meaning "son of." It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname in the Middle Ages, referring to someone who raised or traded in poultry, particularly chickens.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Henson can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Hennesone" and "Hennisun," indicating its widespread use at the time.

In the 13th century, the name Henson gained prominence with the birth of Henson de Longo Campo, a notable English scholar and clergyman who served as the Chancellor of the University of Oxford from 1244 to 1245.

During the Renaissance period, the name Henson was associated with several accomplished individuals. One notable figure was John Henson (c. 1480-1554), an English Protestant reformer and martyr who was burned at the stake for his religious beliefs during the reign of Queen Mary I.

In the 17th century, the name Henson was borne by Richard Henson (1614-1681), an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics and the calculation of planetary orbits.

The 19th century saw the rise of several influential figures with the name Henson. Among them was Matthew Henson (1866-1955), an African American explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on several expeditions to the Arctic and is credited as being one of the first people to reach the geographic North Pole in 1909.

Another notable Henson from this era was Jim Henson (1936-1990), the acclaimed American puppeteer, filmmaker, and creator of the beloved Muppets characters. His work revolutionized the art of puppetry and brought joy to millions of children and adults alike.

While the name Henson has its roots in occupational origins, it has evolved over the centuries to become a celebrated name associated with various fields, including exploration, religion, science, and entertainment. Its enduring legacy serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of human history and achievement.

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 Henson was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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