Enrico is a name of Italian origin, derived from the German name Henry, which means "home ruler". It has been used in Italy for centuries and was particularly popular during the Middle Ages among nobility. The name Enrico was borne by several notable figures throughout history, including Enrico Dandolo, the Doge of Venice who played a significant role in the Fourth Crusade, and Enrico Mattei, an Italian entrepreneur and politician who founded ENI, the Italian national oil company.
The name Enrico has also been popular in other parts of Europe, particularly in Spain where it is spelled Enrique. It has also gained popularity in Latin America, with notable figures such as Mexican singer Luis Miguel and Argentine footballer Lionel Messi bearing this name.
In terms of its meaning, Enrico conveys a sense of strength, leadership, and authority. This is reflected in its etymology, which translates to "home ruler". Throughout history, individuals named Enrico have often lived up to this meaning, holding prominent positions in politics, business, and other fields.
Overall, Enrico is a strong, traditional name with a rich historical background that continues to be popular today among families looking for a distinctive yet timeless name for their sons.
The name Enrico experienced varied popularity over the course of a century, with peaks and valleys in its usage. The first notable spike occurred around 1921, with an unprecedented 96 births that year. This high was not sustained, however, as the number of births dropped significantly in the following years, reaching a low of 17 in 1944. After World War II, there was a steady increase in the popularity of the name, peaking again in 1970 with 92 births. This trend continued through the 1980s and early 1990s, but since then, the number of babies named Enrico has declined significantly, with fewer than 35 births per year recorded from 1997 onwards. The most recent data shows that in 2022 and 2023, there were only 22 births each year for the name Enrico.