Henry: portrait of a champion

Just in case people think that I've gone too far overboard with all the Ezra-love today, I thought I better include a bit of Henry for all of his fans out there. While taking a few shots of the little little bloke, the big little bloke wanted a piece of the action. I told him that I'd put him on teh Internets if he could pull his best "Paris Hilton face".

Well, I think that the little champion has achieved sterling success with this one!

The name Henry is of Old German origin. Henry has remained popular throughout history evidenced by the fact that rulers from Britain, France and Germany have all carried it.

Although Henry suffered a popularity slump in the late twentieth century, the emergence of Internet sensation Henry McCracken has reversed that trend.

Not only that, Henry has at least twenty seven variant forms: Arrigo, Enrico, Enrikos, Enrique, Enzio, Hal, Hank, Harry, Heike, Heindrick, Heindrik, Heiner, Heinrich, Heinrick, Heinrik, Heinz, Hendrick, Hendrik, Henerik, Henning, Henri, Henrik, Henrique, Henryk, Heriot, Herrior and Hinrich. Despite a gap in logic, I am arguing that all twenty seven are down to my Henry.

As to the meaning of ‘Henry’, it is rather straightforward. Deriving from the Germanic name “Haimric” and Old French “Henri” which meant “home rule,” composed of the elements heim “home” and ric “power, rule.” Thus, it means “Ruler of the Home”; “home rule”; “estate ruler”; and (I think most appropriate) “Lord of the Manor“.

As an aside, if anyone has any tips on getting toddlers to be a little more gentle in handling, kissing and generally touching babies, I would most greatfully welcome them in the comments thread!