Definition of harry

The word "harry" is an old English word that has both verbal and nounal meanings. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "hærjan," which means "to seize or plunder." The Old English word ultimately derives from the Germanic root "harj," implying a cognate meaning in other Germanic languages as well. The use of "harry" as a verb can be seen in its original meaning, such as describing military tactics called "harrying" or "scorched earth policies," in which an invading force destroys everything in its path, making it difficult for an enemy to sustain itself. As a noun, "harry" refers to a male given name that has gained popularity in English-speaking countries since the 19th century. It is of ambiguous origin, as some sources suggest it could simply be a variant of Henry, given the spelling similarity between the two names. However, others argue that it may be a nickname meaning "army leader" or "war lord," partly given its close proximity to "harras" or "harass," which refers to a group of soldiers led by a commander. In contemporary usage, "harry" is commonly used in reference to members of the British Royal Family named Henry, most notably King Henry VIII and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Its use as a given name is considered relatively common and uncontroversial, attracting less stigma compared to other regal names given in past centuries.