Erica
Erica is a girl name of Old Norse (Latinized) origin meaning “Eternal ruler; ever powerful”, pronounced EHR-ih-kuh. It ranked #1399 in the United States in 2025, given to 156 babies, and peaked at #31 in 1986. Common nicknames: Eri, Ricki, Ricka.
How popular is Erica 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 Erica mean, and where does it come from?
Erica is the Latinized feminine form of Eric, from the Old Norse Eiríkr, combining elements meaning "ever" or "eternal" with "ruler." The name was popularized in English literature by Fanny Burney's 1796 novel Camilla, and it also shares its spelling with the botanical genus Erica, the heather family of flowering plants. Erica enjoyed strong popularity in the late 20th century and remains a familiar, though less trendy, classic today.
How is Erica used around the world?
Erica is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
Male FormEric
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Erica?
Famous People Named Erica
- Erica Durance — Canadian actress (Smallville)
- Erica Campbell — American gospel singer
- Erica Jong — American author (Fear of Flying)
Similar Names to Erica
If you like Erica, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Erica
Looking for names that pair well with Erica? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Erica mean?
Erica is a girl name of Old Norse (Latinized) origin meaning "Eternal ruler; ever powerful." Erica is the Latinized feminine form of Eric, from the Old Norse Eiríkr, combining elements meaning "ever" or "eternal" with "ruler." The name was popularized in English literature by Fanny Burney's 1796 novel Camilla, and it also shares its spelling with the botanical genus Erica, the heather family of flowering plants.
How do you pronounce Erica?
Erica is pronounced EHR-ih-kuh. Common variations include Erika, Ericka, Eriko.
Is Erica a girl name?
Yes, Erica is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Eri, Ricki, Ricka.