Hinrikus

Hinrikus is a proper name used as both a given name and a surname in Baltic-language contexts. In Estonia and Latvia it has appeared as a masculine surname, and historically it also occurs as a local variant of Henrik in records from the region. The form reflects the common European practice of deriving patronymics or family names from a given name.

Etymology: Hinrikus derives from Henrik, the Baltic version of Henry. Henrik traces back to the Germanic personal name Heimerich (also rendered Heinrich), meaning "home ruler" or "ruler of the household." The ending -us is a typical masculine suffix in several Baltic languages and often marks surnames or onomastic formations.

Geographic and cultural usage: The name is documented in Baltic genealogical and civil records, with usage concentrated in Estonia and Latvia. It may appear in diaspora communities as well. In modern times, Hinrikus is rarely used as a given name; more commonly, Henrik or Henrikson variants are used in the surrounding languages.

Variants and related names: Related forms include Henrik and Hinrik; patronymic-inspired forms such as Hinriksson or Henriksson exist in other Nordic-language traditions. Other localized spellings may include Hinriķus in orthographies that use diacritics.

Notable people: There are no widely documented individuals with the exact spelling Hinrikus recognized in major reference works. See also Henrik, Hinrich.