Eric
Eternal ruler — a boy name of Old Norse origin
Popularity of Eric in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Eric
Eric comes from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, composed of "ei" (ever, always) and "ríkr" (ruler, mighty). It was the name of several Scandinavian kings, most notably Eric the Red, the Norse explorer who founded the first settlement in Greenland around 985 AD. The name spread beyond Scandinavia in the Middle Ages and became common throughout Europe. In the 20th century, Eric was particularly popular in England, Sweden, and the United States, consistently ranking among the top 25 American boy names from the 1960s through the 1990s.
Eric Around the World
Eric is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 41+ international variants.
Female FormErica
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Eric
Famous People Named Eric
- Eric Clapton — British guitarist and singer
- Eric the Red — Norse explorer
- Eric Idle — British comedian and member of Monty Python
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Sibling Name Ideas for Eric
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Eric mean?
Eric is a boy name of Old Norse origin meaning "Eternal ruler." Eric comes from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, composed of "ei" (ever, always) and "ríkr" (ruler, mighty). It was the name of several Scandinavian kings, most notably Eric the Red, the Norse explorer who founded the first settlement in Greenland around 985 AD.
How do you pronounce Eric?
Eric is pronounced AIR-ik. Common variations include Erik, Eirik, Erich.
Is Eric a boy name?
Yes, Eric is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Rick, Ricky.
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