Paramedics sought to revive Joker Idris after he was found in his cell at HMP Chelmsford, Essex, in the morning but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The 18-year-old had been serving a sentence for possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has started an inquiry into the death.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: "HMP Chelmsford prisoner Joker Idris was found hanging in his cell at 0715 GMT on 25 December. Staff and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at around 0730 GMT.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Idris."
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