This Heinlein family is researched to be a family of mariners, they sailed the ocean. From crew hands to Captains. The surname Heinlein, has been spelled so many ways. One of the ways is Hainline, spelled the way it sounds in America, pronounced with silent e. Hainlin. West Virginia University and University of Virginia have some good information. Ships Captain's logs have the best, if you get a look at them.