Surname Henning - Meaning and Origin

An Emotional Journey Through Surnames: My Experience with iGENEA DNA Test

The DNA test from iGENEA was transformative, turning the abstract concept of a surname into an emotional journey connecting the generations. The revelations about the Henning lineage sparked curiosity, surprise, and an overwhelming sense of continuity within history.

K. Henning

Henning: What does the surname Henning mean?

The surname Henning is of German origin and it is derived from the personal name Heinrich or Henry. The suffix "-ing" denotes "son of" or "descendant of." Thus, the surname Henning can be interpreted as "son of Henry" or "descendant of Henry." This name was often given to boys in Germany as a patronymic surname during the Middle Ages. Heinrich itself is composed of the Old High German words "hagan," meaning "hedge" or "enclosure," and "rihhi," roughly translating to "ruler." So, indirectly, the last name Henning could have connotations of being a ruler or one who is in charge. As with many surnames, geographical distribution has resulted in different variants of the name, including Hennings, Henninge, and Henniges. Today, it's found worldwide due to migration, especially in countries such as the United States, England, and Australia, but it's still most common in Germany.

Henning: Where does the name Henning come from?

The surname Henning is of German and Danish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Germanic personal name Heinrich, meaning "home ruler". In Denmark, the surname often has the suffix '-sen' attached to it (Henningsen), following the Scandinavian tradition of forming patronymic surnames. This name is spread out across the globe due to historic immigration from Germany and Denmark, yet it is mainly concentrated in Europe and North America. It is particularly common in Germany, Denmark, and the United States. Germany, in particular, is home to the largest number of people bearing the Henning surname. In the United States, states with significant German-American populations like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois, often have a greater prevalence of this surname.

Variations of the surname Henning

The surname "Henning" is of Germanic origin and varies in different regions and countries. Popular variants of the surname Henning include Hennig, Hennings, Henn, Henninge, Henninger, Hening, and Hinning.

The surname may also be presented as von Henning in some instances, where "von" is a nobiliary term used in German surnames, denoting noble lineage.

Silent "h" versions of the surname, such as Enning or Ennings, may exist in some English-speaking regions. In the United States, there are also simplified versions without the second "n", such as Hening or Henig.

Variations in spelling may also occur due to cultural and regional differences, particularly affecting pronunciation and phonetic transcription. This results in different spellings such as Hennek, Henneke, Hennike, Henniker, Henneker, and others.

Sometimes, variations to the surname can form separate surnames in their own right. For instance, the surname "Henninger", while a variant of Henning, is also commonly established independently with its own lineage.

Overall, it's important to consider regional dialects, linguistic history, and cultural translation practices when considering the variants and spellings of the surname Henning.

Famous people with the name Henning

• Larry Henning: American politician and former member of the Wisconsin State Senate.
• Harriet Henning: Professional golfer who participated in the LPGA Tour.
• Anne Henning: American philanthropist, former major gifts officer at the University of Rochester.
• Billy Henning: Former American professional wrestler.
• Carla Henning: Former American television actress.
• Charley Henning: Former NASCAR driver from the early 1970s.
• Dan Henning: Former American football coach who has most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
• David Henning: American actor, writer, comedian and podcaster.
• Dick Henning: Former NASCAR driver from the early 1970s.
• Don Henning: Canadian broadcaster and former hockey coach.
• Dorothy Henning: American voice actress heard in many cartoons of the 1930s and '40s.
• Hugh Henning: Former American football player
• Jack Henning: American labor leader, co-founder of the United Farm Workers organization.
• Jeff Henning: Former Major League Baseball outfielder.
• John Henning: Former offensive lineman in the National Football League.
• Jon Henning: Former judge in the New Jersey State Senate.
• Mark Henning: German electronic music producer.
• Paul Henning: American producer/writer best known for creating the Beverley Hillbillies.
• Phil Henning: South African former Formula One driver.
• Queena Henning: American film actress and stuntwoman.
• Robert Henning: Retired German ice hockey player and former member of the national team.
• Steve Henning: Retired American figure skater and four-time U.S. national champion.
• Victoria Henning: Danish curler who was a member of the gold medal-winning Danish team at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Other surnames

HennickeHennickenHennickensHenniesHennigHenniganHennigarHennigerHennigesHennigsHennigsenHennikeHenningaHenningerHenningesHenningfieldHenningsHenningsenHenningsmeierHenningsmeyerHenningssonHenningtonHennink