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Enrique

♂ Boy

Pronounced en-REE-kay /ɛnˈriː.keɪ/High

Meaning: Ruler of the home; the Spanish form of Henry, from the Germanic Heimrich meaning 'home ruler' (heim 'home' + ric 'ruler, power')High

In 30 seconds: The dashing Spanish form of Henry meaning 'ruler of the home,' Enrique carries centuries of royal heritage from Spanish monarchs to modern Latin pop royalty.
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Origin HighGermanic, Spanish
MeaningRuler of the home; the Spanish form of Henry, from the Germanic Heimrich meaning 'home ruler' (heim 'home' + ric 'ruler, power')
U.S. rank (2025)#571 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births517 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2000
Total births (all-time)≈ 61,223

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200018802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Enrique is the Spanish form of Henry, derived from the Old High German Heimrich, composed of heim (home) and ric (ruler, power). The name was borne by numerous Spanish and Portuguese kings — notably Henry the Navigator of Portugal — and was deeply embedded in Iberian royal tradition. It reached the Americas with Spanish colonization.

In the United States, Enrique has been a staple name in Hispanic communities and has appeared consistently in U.S. birth records. The international success of singer Enrique Iglesias in the 1990s and 2000s raised the name's profile well beyond Latin communities, making it recognizable to a global audience.

Did you know? Pop star Enrique Iglesias has sold over 180 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in history and one of the most recognizable bearers of this name.
Overall data confidence 96%
Behind the Name — Enrique — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HenryHenriqueHeinrichHendrik

Nicknames

RickyRiqueKike

Famous Bearers

  • ★Enrique Iglesias (1975–present)
    Spanish-American pop singer, one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

If you like Enrique…

Ricardo— shares the same Spanish classic status and three-syllable Latin rhythm
Rodrigo— fellow Spanish royal name with similar Iberian heritage and strength
Emilio— another popular Hispanic classic with the same flowing vowel-rich sound
Alejandro— shares the Spanish royal naming tradition and widespread Hispanic use

Frequently Asked

What does Enrique mean?

Enrique means 'ruler of the home,' from the Germanic Heimrich via the Spanish form of Henry.

How do you pronounce Enrique?

Enrique is said en-REE-kay — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Enrique a popular name in the United States?

Enrique ranks in the U.S. top 300 boys' names and is especially prominent in Hispanic communities.

Is Enrique the same as Henry?

Yes, Enrique is the Spanish equivalent of Henry, sharing the same Germanic roots and meaning.