Enrique is a Spanish name of Germanic origin that means "home ruler" or "powerful leader". It comes from the German name Heinrich, which consists of two elements: "heim", meaning home, and "ric", meaning power or ruler.
The name Enrique has been popular in Spain for centuries, with several notable figures bearing this name throughout history. One of the most famous Enriques was Enrique II, also known as Henry III of Castile, who ruled from 1396 to 1406. He was a prominent king during the Reconquista and played an important role in expanding the boundaries of his kingdom.
In more recent times, Enrique has gained popularity outside of Spain due to figures such as Mexican singer Luis Miguel, whose stage name is "El Sol de México," meaning "The Sun of Mexico." Born Luis Alberto Cervantes Moya, he is often referred to as "Enrique" by fans and media outlets alike.
Overall, the name Enrique carries a strong historical legacy in Spain and has gained international recognition thanks to prominent figures throughout history. Its meaning, signifying power or leadership within one's own home or community, makes it a popular choice among parents looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
"Enrique's popularity as a baby name surged significantly over time, starting from just 5 births in its first recorded year (1880) and peaking at 1436 births in 1999. However, it has seen a gradual decline since the early 2000s, with only 515 births recorded in 2023."