Henley

Pronunciation: [ h-EHNL-ee ]

Boy Name #1,876 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A high-meadow English surname with regatta refinement

English American

Modern Strong Bold Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"from the high woodland clearing"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

The Story of Henley

Henley is an English place name and surname derived from Old English hean (high) and leah (woodland clearing, meadow), meaning high meadow or clearing on high ground. Several English towns bear this name, most notably Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, famous for its Royal Regatta. As a given name, Henley follows the trend of place-surname names like Bentley, Hadley, and Brentley.

Henley has been climbing in popularity since the early 2010s in the US, particularly in Southern and Midwestern states. It fits into the broader trend of -ley/-ly ending names (Hadley, Finley, Kinsley, Riley) that work across genders. For boys it has a rugged yet polished quality.

Henley-on-Thames is synonymous with British upper-class tradition through its Royal Regatta (established 1839), one of the most prestigious rowing events in the world. The place-name connection gives Henley a refined, sporty English heritage. Don Henley, founding member of The Eagles, brings rock credibility to the name.

Fun Facts

Henley Royal Regatta has been held annually since 1839 on the Thames at Henley-on-Thames
Don Henley co-founded The Eagles and wrote Hotel California — one of rocks most famous songs
High meadow place names (like Henley, Hadley, Hartley) are among the most common English village name patterns

Henley in Other Languages

French Henley

English Henley

Famous People Named Henley

Don Henley

Musician

1947

American rock musician, co-founder of The Eagles and writer of Hotel California

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,876
Total SSA Count: 85
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Hen

Pairs Well With

Henley James Henley Cole Henley Blake Henley Reid Henley Grant Henley Knox Henley Scott

Sibling Names

Beckham Brecken Hadley Kinsley Waverly Hawthorne Everly

Also a Girl Name

Henley is also used as a girl name, ranked #959.

View Henley as a girl name →

Similar Names

Leslie Wesley Bradley Audrey Conley Gentry Aubrey Brantley

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Frequently Asked Questions About Henley

What does the name Henley mean?

"from the high woodland clearing" (from Old English). Henley is an English place name and surname derived from Old English hean (high) and leah (woodland clearing, meadow), meaning high meadow or clearing on high ground. Several English towns bear this name, most notably Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, famous for its Royal Regatta. As a given name, Henley follows the trend of place-surname names like Bentley, Hadley, and Brentley.

What is the origin of the name Henley?

Henley has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "from the high woodland clearing".

Is Henley a boy or girl name?

Henley is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1876. As a girl name, it is ranked #959. Henley is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Henley?

Henley is pronounced h-EHNL-ee.

How popular is the name Henley?

Henley is currently ranked #1876 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Henley?

Common nicknames for Henley include Hen.

What are good middle names for Henley?

Popular middle name pairings include Henley James, Henley Cole, Henley Blake, Henley Reid, Henley Grant, Henley Knox, and Henley Scott.

What are good sibling names for Henley?

Names that pair well with Henley as siblings include Beckham, Brecken, Hadley, Kinsley, Waverly, Hawthorne, and Everly.

How many syllables does Henley have?

Henley has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Henley a common or rare name?

Henley is an uncommon name, ranked #1876 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Henley

Henley is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "from the high woodland clearing" in Old English .

Is Henley a boy or girl name? Henley is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,876 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #959. Henley is more commonly used as a girl name.

Henley is currently ranked #1,876 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Henley has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-EHNL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Henley include Hen. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.