The surname Rinkus is of Lithuanian origin, with roots dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Lithuanian word "rinkti," meaning "to gather" or "to collect." This suggests that the name may have been associated with an occupation or trade involving collecting or gathering goods.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the historical records of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where a certain Jurgis Rinkus was mentioned as a landowner in the village of Kaunas in the late 16th century. The name also appeared in various church registers and legal documents from the same period.

In the 17th century, the Rinkus family expanded their presence in the regions of Samogitia and Aukštaitija, which were part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at the time. Several members of the family were recorded as merchants and tradesmen, further strengthening the connection between their surname and the occupation of collecting or trading goods.

During the 18th century, the Rinkus name gained recognition among the Lithuanian gentry, with several notable individuals bearing the surname. One such individual was Jonas Rinkus (1712-1789), a prominent landowner and philanthropist who funded the construction of several churches and schools in his region.

Another notable figure was Mykolas Rinkus (1765-1842), a Lithuanian scholar and educator who authored several works on Lithuanian grammar and folklore. His contributions played a significant role in preserving the Lithuanian language and culture during a period of foreign occupation.

In the 19th century, the Rinkus surname continued to be widespread throughout the Lithuanian territories, with many family members migrating to other parts of the Russian Empire and beyond. Antanas Rinkus (1819-1891), a successful merchant and industrialist, established several successful businesses in the city of Vilnius.

As Lithuania gained independence in the 20th century, the Rinkus surname remained prominent, with individuals such as Juozas Rinkus (1892-1972), a renowned painter and art educator, and Vytautas Rinkus (1910-1994), a celebrated writer and journalist, making significant contributions to Lithuanian culture and society.

The surname Rinkus has also been found in other parts of the world, particularly among Lithuanian diaspora communities, as a result of emigration and migration patterns throughout history. However, its origins can be traced back to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Lithuanian language.