Harry

[Pudding01]

Still seen as a diminutive of Henry or a name in its own right now?

I think I actually prefer Harry over Henry..

I would say it's now a name in its own right. I had a Uncle Harry, born around 1915, who was plain Harry and not Henry.

I have a Harry, no one has ever asked if he's actually named Henry so I think it's a name on its own for sure.

Definitely a name in its own right.

My nephew is called Harry - never questioned whether it was a nickname and his real name was Henry. I think it's a name in its own right - and a lovely name at that :-)

It’s a name in its own right nowadays. Just like Jack isn’t only a nn for John anymore.

I do see it always as a diminutive of Henry but I suspect I’m in the minority.

Name in its own right - they have a very different feel for me. I'd expect a Harry to be cheeky and friendly, and a Henry to be rather serious.

I think of it as a diminutive but I'm quite old

@foxtiger I have a Harry and he's exactly how you've described a Harry to be . That's made me smile

It’s a popular name in its own right. I know lots of Harrys and lots of Henrys - none of the Harrys are a nickname for Henry and none of the Henrys go by Harry ad far as I know.

@Auto

I think of it as a diminutive but I'm quite old

Me too

While Harry can be a diminutive of Henry, is is definitely a name on its own. It has been used since medieval times as a name on its own, though it has origins as an English form of the French Henri. Actually, the idea that it is a pet form of Henry is a more recent idea (last 100 years or so) rather than an old one.

So, use Harry (great name!) if that's what you intend to use.

@MercyBodle

While Harry can be a diminutive of Henry, is is definitely a name on its own. It has been used since medieval times as a name on its own, though it has origins as an English form of the French Henri. Actually, the idea that it is a pet form of Henry is a more recent idea (last 100 years or so) rather than an old one.

So, use Harry (great name!) if that's what you intend to use.

But... But... Even Shakespeare way before the last 100 years called his King Henry V “Harry“ as a pet name.

Name in its own right for sure

Thank you for your replies! I think it is clear that it is a name in its own right and I now have it as a contender

Name in its own right I would say