Eric
Eric is a boy name of Old Norse origin meaning “Eternal ruler”, pronounced AIR-ik. It ranked #273 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,256 babies, and peaked at #13 in 1973. Common nicknames: Rick, Ricky.
How popular is 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.
What does Eric mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Eric used 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.
What are the 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
Similar Names to Eric
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Sibling Name Ideas for Eric
Looking for names that pair well with Eric? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.