HENRY is probably Irish if in Ulster. It is common in Counties Antrim and Tyrone (outside of Dublin and Sligo), but there is some confusion on origin because of the Scots septs MacHendrie, MacKendrick and MacKendry settlers, especially in North Antrim and Derry.
A branch of the O'Kanes the Mac Einri, was anglicized to MacHenry. They are descended from Dermot O'Cahan, died 1428. They were the MacHenries of the Loughran and earlier were known as the MacHenry O'Cahans. Later the name became Henry and then Hendry.
In Co Tyrone there was a sept of O'Henerys in Cullentra. Their territory once extended to Glenconkeine in Derry. In Southeast Ulster there was a sept of Oriel the O Hainiarraidh.
The names Henry and MacHenry are now mainly found in south-east Ulster, primarily in counties Galway and Armagh. (O)Henry from O hInnirghe is found in counties Derry and Tyrone.
Courtesy of:
Robert Bell's "The Book of Ulster Surnames"
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