Introduction

Above, Johan Gottlieb (John) Heinrich Family, 1900-1902: (B) Walter, Emma, Elizabeth, Anna, Ella, Louis; (F) Laura, John, Edna, Martha, Maria, Cora

The purpose of this work is to provide the descendants of Clara (Klemm) and Walter B. Heinrich a history of the Heinrich family, Walter’s ancestors and their origins in the former Kingdom of Saxony (now in Germany).

Several people provided input and must be recognized for their contributions:

Jane Heinrich, wife of Joseph Heinrich, who is grandson of Walter B. Heinrich and son of Orrin H. Heinrich. Jane is the author of much of this content and maintain the site originally on her family website: http://www.dahlheimer-bebeau.com until her passing in late 2022. 

Susan Heinrich, granddaughter of Walter B. Heinrich, and daughter of Eldo Heinrich.  Susan documented the first history, which has been used here as a base.

Linda Brisk, whose grandmother, Anna (Heinrich) Gueller was the brother of Walter B. Heinrich.

Heidi Dautermann, whose great-grandfather, Frederick Dautermann, was the brother of Walter B. Heinrich’s mother, Mary, who was married to John (Johan Gottlieb) Heinrich.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/n/e/w/Heidi-A-Newland/index.html

Origin of the Heinrich Name

The name “Heinrich” actually means Henry in English.  You might think it odd that we would have a family name (surname) which is really a first name; however it was not unusual in earlier days.  Read on….

From Wilhelm Leuchtenmueller:

German speaking people did not have surnames; they were called by their first names, like 'Wilhelm', 'Gerlinde', 'Gerhard', 'Ingrid' [and ‘Heinrich’]. These names were of Germanic origin. But because of the rapid expansion of Christianity in Central Europe, many biblical names such as Johann, or Maria, became very common. In addition, many names of Slavic origin found their way to Germany. It was not until the Reign of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, (1740 - 1786) who demanded that all common people must have a surname. Though there was one important other demand: people of non-Germanic origin would be given specific surnames, as was the case with people of Jewish origin. And for people of noble origin: they are not required to have a surname. People of nobility are until today only known by the origin of their reign, such as "from the House of Habsburg" or "from the House of Windsor". In the German language it is easy to recognize if a person is of noble origin. His/her name will always have the word 'von' as part of the name, like 'Maria Theresia von Habsburg' Empress of Austria. This word 'von' should never be mistaken by the Dutch word 'van', which does not have the same meaning!

Source:  http://www.siamweb.org/content/News-Culture/146/index_eng.php

From Max Kade, German-American Center:

Many German names have their roots in the Germanic middle ages. The process of forming family names began around the year 1100 and extended through 1600. All social classes and demographic strata aided in the development of names. First Names (Rufnamen) identified specific persons. Over time the first name began to be applied to the bearer's whole family. At first through verbal usage, family names (Familiennamen) were later fixed through writing. Until the 17th century, first names played a more important role. In East Friesland, family names originated the latest.

The earliest family names derived from the first name of the first bearer (Patronym). Later names derived from the place of dwelling and location of the homestead. If a person of family migrated from one place to another they were identified by the place they came from. Of more recent origin are names derived from the vocation of profession of the first bearer. These names comprise the largest group and the most easily recognizable, for they tell what the first bearer did for a living. Another group are names derived from a physical or other characteristic of the first bearer. Finally, there are names which tell you the state or region a first bearer and his family came from; the age old division in tribes and regions (low German, middle German and upper German) is often reflected in names. For non-German speakers they are at first hard to "localize." Names from along the Dutch border, and some of the names from Northern Germany, sound much like Dutch or English names, respectively.

Old Germanic First Names (and their short forms)

Masculine: Albert, Albrecht, Armin, … Heiko, Heinrich, Heinz, Helge, … etc.

Source:  http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/KADE/nameword/apend-a.html