Surname Hinrich - Meaning and Origin
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Hinrich: What does the surname Hinrich mean?
The last name Hinrich is a German surname that is derived from a given name. The given name, in turn, originates from the German word "heinrich," meaning "home ruler." This reflects the original purpose of the surname, which was to give families a means of identification in a world that was largely agrarian.
Hinrich is a patronymic surname, meaning that it is passed down by successors and is typically derived from the first name of the family patriarch. This name was first recorded in Prussia in the early 17th century and is most often found in northern Germany and Scandinavia.
The Hinrich surname was traditionally held by someone who was a wise ruler of the family's estate, a person of strong and sound judgment. This reflects the values prized by Germans, such as honesty, loyalty, hard work, and intelligence.
Given its traditional origins and rural location in northern Germany, it's likely that the Hinrich surname was once connected to local nobility and was a sign of considerable wealth and social standing. However, as German lands modernized and society became more democratized, this surname increasingly became common and less associated with status or rank.
Today, the surname Hinrich is still found frequently in Germany, though is also dispersed throughout the German diaspora. It is a reminder of the cultural values and a reminder that today’s families are rooted in traditional German heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisHinrich: Where does the name Hinrich come from?
The last name Hinrich is a German name and is primarily found in Germany today. It is also relatively common in countries with a large German-speaking population such as Austria, Switzerland, as well as countries like the United States and Canada which have historically had large populations of German immigrants, such as the states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois in the United States.
In Germany, the name can be found primarily in the northern and central regions of the country, specifically in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, Bremen, Dresden and Leipzig. It has also been known to be found in smaller countryside towns or villages scattered throughout these regions. It is more uncommon to find the last name Hinrich in southern Germany.
The name is certainly not exclusive to Germany, and in today’s world of increased mobility, it can be found more and more in countries around the world. It is relatively rare in comparison with other German names, and those bearing the name continue to be proud of their unique heritage.
Variations of the surname Hinrich
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Hinrich are as follows:
1. Henrich: This version was popularized by the Germanic version of Henry, meaning “ruler of the home.” It is the most common variation of Hinrich.
2. Hinrick: This is also a Germanic variation of the name, but much rarer.
3. Hennrich: This variation is found mainly in Austria and other German-speaking countries.
4. Hinnrich: This spelling can be found in some German-speaking countries, though it is not very common.
5. Henrick: This version is an Anglicized version of the name which is popular in the United States.
6. Hinrichs: This is the most common spelling of the surname and is used mainly in North America.
7. Henrichs: This is the same as Hinrichs, but with a letter at the beginning.
8. Hinrichsen: This variation is found in Europe, especially in Denmark.
9. Henrichsen: This variation is also found in Europe, but is more common than Hinrichsen.
10. Hinrichsmeier: This is a rare variation of the name found in Germany.
11. Henrichsmeier: This is another rare variation of the name, but it is found in other European countries in addition to Germany.
12. Heincrich: This is another rare spelling of the name found mainly in Europe.
The surname Hinrich is derived from the Germanic words “haim”, meaning “home” and “rik”, meaning “ruler”. It is thought to have been a nickname for the head of a household. It is also said to be derived from the personal name Hendric or Henric, which is the Germanic form of Henry. The name has been found in records dating back to the 13th century. It is relatively rare outside of Germany and other German-speaking countries, though various versions of it have spread to other countries.
Famous people with the name Hinrich
- John Jerry Hinrich: A former American NBA player who played point guard and shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls from 2003 to 2010.
- Carter Hinrich: An award-winning American sculptor who uses glass and light to create artworks.
- Ken Hinrich: An American actor who has appeared in television shows such as Community and Parks and Recreation.
- Rick Hinrich: A multi-sport athlete who won state championships in baseball and basketball while attending an Iowa high school.
- Norbert Hinrich: An American painter whose works focus on everyday life and the changes it brings.
- Günther Hinrich: A German professional basketball coach who is currently an assistant coach with the s.Oliver Würzburg team.
- Lyle Hinrich: An American entrepreneur and artist who specializes in digital media and multimedia installations.
- Janel Hinrich: An American-born actress who has appeared in a variety of television series and feature films.
- John Hinrich: An retired American MLB baseball player who had a seven-year career as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.
- Alex Hinrich: An Australian professional surfer who has competed in the World Championship Tour since 2011.