Henrique is a classic Portuguese given name that has been widely used throughout history and across cultures. The name is derived from the Germanic elements "haen" meaning "home" or "estate," and "ric" meaning "powerful." This gives Henrique the meaning of "ruler of the home" or "home ruler."
Henrique is particularly popular in Portugal, where it has been used for centuries, and is also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil. It is often associated with notable figures from Portuguese history, including Henrique, Duke of Viseu, a prominent figure during the late medieval period.
The name Henrique is usually given to boys but can sometimes be used for girls as well. It has several variations and nicknames, including Henriques, Henriquez, Henrico, Enrico, Enrique, and Henrik. These variants demonstrate how the name has been adapted and adopted by different cultures over time.
In terms of popularity, Henrique is a classic name that has stood the test of time but may not be as common today compared to more modern names. Nevertheless, it remains a respected and traditional choice for parents seeking a name with historical roots and a strong meaning.
"The name Henrique experienced varied popularity over time, with peaks in recent years. From a low of just 5 births in 1966, it saw notable increases around the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching a significant peak of 39 births in 2022."