When readers first encounter Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel Hamnet, one question often pops up: Why is it called Hamnet?
The name feels familiar, almost like Hamlet, yet different in a way that sparks curiosity. Whether you’re a literature lover, a Shakespeare fan, or someone who enjoys diving into the hidden stories behind great works, understanding the origin of the name Hamnet opens the door to a deeper appreciation of history, language, and storytelling.
In this article, we’ll explore where the name Hamnet comes from, the real-life boy behind it, and why both historians and modern writers continue to be fascinated by him. We’ll also look at how the name connects to Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy, making Hamnet one of literature’s most emotionally charged names.
The Historical Hamnet: Shakespeare’s Only Son
Before discussing the novel, we have to understand the historical figure.
Hamnet Shakespeare was the only son of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, born in 1585 as the twin brother of Judith Shakespeare. Sadly, Hamnet died at age 11 in 1596. The cause of his death is unknown, though plague outbreaks were common at the time.
Hamnet’s brief life left a subtle but significant footprint in history. Because Shakespeare rarely wrote about his personal life, the existence of a son whom he lost so young adds layers of mystery and poignancy to his body of work. Historians often note that Hamnet’s death occurred just a few years before Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, leading many to wonder about a deeper emotional connection between the two names.
The Name “Hamnet”: Origins and Meaning
So, why is he called Hamnet? Where does the name come from?
The name Hamnet was common in 16th-century England. Linguists and historians believe the name comes from variations such as Hamlet, Hamell, or Hamon, all of which were used interchangeably in parish records of the era.
In fact, Hamnet and Hamlet were considered variants of the same name. Spelling in Shakespeare’s time was far from standardized—names could shift slightly depending on who was recording them. This explains why Hamnet Sadler, a close friend of Shakespeare and the boy’s namesake, appears in different documents as:
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Hamnet
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Hamlet
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Hamanet
In short: Hamnet = Hamlet, historically speaking.
This overlapping of names forms the core of why the name “Hamnet” continues to intrigue scholars and readers today.
The Emotional Echo Between Hamnet and Hamlet
The biggest reason modern readers ask “Why is it called Hamnet?” is the assumed connection to Hamlet, Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
Here’s why that connection matters:
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Hamnet died in 1596.
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Shakespeare wrote Hamlet around 1599–1601.
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The names were effectively the same during his lifetime.
Many scholars believe that Shakespeare’s grief for his son influenced the writing of Hamlet. While we can’t prove this with certainty—Shakespeare left behind no personal letters or diaries—the timing and emotional weight make the connection compelling.
The name Hamnet is therefore not just a historical label. It represents a bridge between Shakespeare’s private life and his art, reminding us that even the greatest writers carry personal stories beneath their work.
Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet: Why the Novel Carries This Name
The 2020 novel Hamnet reintroduced the name to contemporary readers. O’Farrell chose the title to center the story around the boy who often gets overshadowed by the towering presence of Shakespeare.
But the title does more than honor the child. It highlights:
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The often invisible family behind literary genius
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The experience of parental grief in the Elizabethan era
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The ways personal tragedy can echo through art
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Women’s roles in history—especially Anne Hathaway, reimagined as Agnes in the novel
By choosing the title Hamnet, the author shifts the spotlight away from Shakespeare the playwright and toward the emotional heart of a family living in the shadow of illness, love, loss, and legacy.
Why the Name Still Resonates Today
The name Hamnet holds power because it stands at the intersection of history, literature, and emotion. It symbolizes:
A Lost Child
Hamnet reminds us of the fragility of life in the 16th century—and the universal pain of losing someone young.
A Father’s Possible Grief
Whether or not the connection to Hamlet was intentional, Shakespeare’s most introspective tragedy was written soon after the loss of his son. It’s hard not to see an emotional thread linking the two.
A Story Reclaimed
The name’s revival through O’Farrell’s novel represents a modern desire to give voice to those who are often missing from the historical record—especially children and women.
A Linguistic Curiosity
The fascinating fact that Hamnet and Hamlet were essentially the same name adds intrigue for historians, linguists, and everyday readers alike.
Understanding the Power of a Name
So, why is it called Hamnet?
Because the name carries history, grief, and artistic mystery. It reminds us that behind Shakespeare’s towering legacy stood a family with joys and tragedies of their own. And for modern readers, the name continues to illuminate the intimate connections between life and art.
Whether discovered through history books or through Maggie O’Farrell’s unforgettable novel, Hamnet is more than a name—it’s a story that continues to resonate centuries later.