Is Harry short for anything?
Yes, usually. In old records Harry mostly appears as a pet form of Henry, though plenty of families gave it as a name in its own right. Less often it stands in for Harold. Expect it in American and British records, mostly 1300s-1900s. When a census shows Harry, check the family's other papers for a Henry before you decide which reading you have.
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FAQs
Is Harry a nickname?+
Usually. Most records that say Harry trace back to a Henry, but some families used it as the full given name.
Is Harry a real name on its own?+
Yes - it also appears as a standalone given name, especially in later eras. Earlier records lean toward Henry.
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