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.
Statistics on the Name Enrique in the United States:
The name Enrique has been consistently popular throughout the years in the United States. Here's a summary of its popularity from 1880 to 2023:
From 1880 to 1945, there were fluctuations in the number of births with the name Enrique. The highest year was 1946 with 202 births.
The peak of popularity for the name Enrique came between 1946 and 1970, during which time it consistently ranked among the top 500 names each year. The most popular year was 1969 with 540 births.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Enrique's popularity began to decline but remained relatively stable. It hit a low point in 1985 with 700 births.
Starting from the early 1990s, Enrique's popularity increased significantly. Between 1996 and 2003, it peaked again at over 1,500 births annually.
After 2004, Enrique's popularity began to decline once more but remained consistently above 500 births per year until 2017. Since then, its popularity has been relatively stable, with around 500-600 births annually up until the most recent data available in 2023.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been approximately 60,157 babies named Enrique born in the United States. These statistics demonstrate the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the name Enrique throughout American history.