Heinrich

Heinrich is a German form of the Germanic name Heimirich, composed of the elements heim, meaning home, and ric, meaning power or ruler, giving an overall sense of ruler of the home or lord of the estate. The name was borne by many Holy Roman Emperors and German kings, making it one of the most prestigious and widely used names in medieval German-speaking lands. Its Latinized form Henricus spread the name throughout Europe, giving rise to cognates such as Henry in English, Henri in French, Hendrik in Dutch, and Enrique in Spanish. Heinrich remains a recognizable classic in German-speaking countries, associated also with figures such as the poet Heinrich Heine and the physicist Heinrich Hertz.