Henry Hudson (d. ca. 1611) was an English sea explorer and navigator in the early 17th century. After several voyages on behalf of English merchants to explore a prospective Northeast Passage to India, Hudson explored the region around modern New York City while looking for a western route to the Orient under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company. He explored the Hudson River (the river was discovered by Giovanni da Verrazano in 1524) and laid the foundation for Dutch colonization of the region.

Hudson's next expedition ranged further north in search of the Northwest Passage, to the Orient, leading to his discovery of the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay. After wintering in the Canadian Arctic, Hudson tried to press on with his voyage in the spring of 1611, but his crew mutinied and either killed him or cast him adrift. His ultimate fate is unknown.

Hudson may have been born in London, England. Little is known of his early life. He is thought to have spent many years at sea, beginning as a cabin boy and gradually working his way up to ship's captain.