into a Jewish family. He was called "Harry" in childhood but became known as "Heinrich" after his conversion to Lutheran Christianity in 1825. Heine's father, (1764-1828), was a textile merchant. His mother Peira, née van Geldern (known as "Betty" or ) (1771-1859) was daughter of physician (1726-1795) and Sara van Geldern née Bocková (?-1779).

Heinrich