Born in Stein, near Pforzheim, in Baden-Württemberg, Heynlin may have been of Swabian origin. (From "Stein", meaning "stone" in German, are derived his translated Latinized surnames "Lapideus" or "a Lapide"and Gallicized surname "La Pierre".) On the completion of his academic studies in Germany, presumably at Leipzig and Freiburg, he proceeded to Paris to pursue the study of philosophy and theology. In Paris, he came in contact with the foremost representatives of Realism, who, recognizing Heynlin's abilities and probable future influence, exerted their powers to the utmost to mould his mind after their own and thus make him like themselves a bitter opponent of Nominalism. Their efforts were successful.