Henrique is a name of Portuguese origin, derived from the Germanic name Henry. The name Henry has been used in various forms across Europe for centuries and its popularity can be attributed to several prominent historical figures who bore the name.
The most notable of these is undoubtedly Henry II, also known as Henry of Anjou or Henry Plantagenet, who ruled England from 1154 until his death in 1189. As a descendant of William the Conqueror and the first Angevin king of England, Henry II played a significant role in shaping medieval English history.
The name Henrique has also been popular among Portuguese royalty throughout history. King Pedro I (known as Pedro the Just) was a member of the House of Burgundy and ruled Portugal from 1357 until his assassination in 1367. His son, King Fernando I, who succeeded him on the throne, was also named Henrique.
In terms of meaning, both Henry and Henrique are derived from the Germanic element "heim," which means home or household, combined with the element "ric," which means powerful or mighty. Thus, the name can be interpreted as meaning "home ruler" or "powerful leader."
Today, Henrique remains a popular name in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Angola. It is also used occasionally in English-speaking countries, particularly among those of Portuguese descent.
Overall, Henrique is a name with deep historical roots and a strong association with power and leadership. Its popularity has endured for centuries due to its association with notable figures throughout history.
The name Henrique has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. From 1966 to 2023, there have been a total of 580 births registered with this name.
In the early years, the number of babies named Henrique was quite low, ranging from 5 to 10 births per year between 1966 and 1983. However, starting in 1990, there was a notable increase in popularity, with more than 12 births each year.
The most significant peak in popularity occurred recently, with 39 births registered in 2022, indicating that Henrique is now more commonly chosen as a baby boy's name compared to previous decades. In fact, the last ten years have seen an average of 18 births per year for this name, which is nearly double the average from the previous decade (1995-2004), where there were approximately 10 births per year.
These statistics demonstrate that while Henrique was once a relatively uncommon name in the United States, its popularity has grown steadily over time and has experienced a significant boost in recent years. As of now, Henrique ranks among the more popular boy's names in the country.