Find out how popular the first name Hein has been for the last 6 years (from 2014 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hein by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Hein is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hein.

The history of the first name Hein

The given name Hein has its origins in the German language and culture, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a shortened form of the name Heinrich, which is derived from the Old German words "heim" (home) and "ric" (ruler or power), essentially meaning "ruler of the home" or "home ruler."

During the medieval period, the name Hein was particularly popular in the regions of modern-day Germany, as well as parts of the Netherlands and Belgium. It is believed that the name first appeared in written records around the 12th century, although its use may have been prevalent even earlier.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Hein was Hein von Mühlheim, a German knight and crusader who lived in the late 12th century and participated in the Third Crusade. Another notable figure was Hein von Respicke, a 14th-century German nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the Prussian Crusade.

In the realm of art and literature, the name Hein has been associated with notable figures such as Hein Zedelaar, a 16th-century Dutch painter known for his landscapes and genre scenes. Additionally, Hein Heckroth, a 17th-century German poet and playwright, gained recognition for his works exploring themes of love and courtly life.

Moving into the modern era, one of the most famous individuals with the name Hein was Hein Simons, a Dutch athlete who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and won a gold medal in the 10,000-meter run. Another notable figure was Hein Tervaert, a Dutch politician and diplomat who served as the Netherlands' ambassador to several countries in the mid-20th century.

Beyond these specific individuals, the name Hein has maintained a presence throughout various regions and time periods, often carrying connotations of strength, leadership, and a connection to one's homeland or place of origin.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Hein was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Hein, please contact us.

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