Heike is a female given name of German origin. It comes from the Middle High German word "heirik," which means "home ruler." The name was originally used as a nickname for someone who was a leader or a powerful figure within their home or community.
The name Heike has a rich history in Germany, particularly in the context of the medieval minstrel epic "The Song of the Nibelungs" (also known as the "Nibelungenlied"). In this poem, Heike is the name of one of the main characters, the heroine Kriemhild's sister. This character was likely named after a real-life figure from the 10th century, Princess Heike of Bavaria, who was the daughter of Duke Henry I of Bavaria.
Despite its historical significance in Germany, the name Heike is not particularly common today. However, it remains an attractive option for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughters. The name's meaning, "home ruler," could inspire strength and leadership, while its historical ties add a touch of elegance and intrigue.
In terms of pronunciation, Heike rhymes with "reach" in English. It is typically pronounced as /ˈhaɪkə/ or /ˈhaɪkɛ/.
Based on the statistics provided, it's clear that the name Heike was quite popular among parents in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. The name first appeared in the records with seven births each year from 1961 to 1963. This indicates that there was a consistent interest in the name during these years.
The popularity of Heike peaked in 1965 and 1966, with 13 and 15 births respectively. This suggests that many parents found this name appealing at this particular time. However, it's worth noting that while the number of births remained relatively high in 1967 (13 births), there was a significant decrease in popularity starting from 1968.
From 1968 onwards, the number of babies named Heike varied, with some years seeing as few as five births. The last recorded birth for this name occurred in 1988, indicating that its use had largely declined by this time.
Overall, while Heike was once a popular choice among parents in the United States during the mid-20th century, it seems to have fallen out of favor over time. Despite this decline, it's important to remember that each name carries its own unique charm and significance for those who choose it.