Erik
Eternal ruler; ever powerful — a boy name of Old Norse (Scandinavian) origin
Popularity of Erik 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 Erik
Erik is the traditional Scandinavian spelling of the Old Norse Eiríkr, meaning "ever ruler" or "eternally powerful," borne by numerous Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish kings throughout history. The name was carried across the North Atlantic by Erik the Red, the Norse explorer credited with founding the first Norse settlements in Greenland. Erik remains a top name across Scandinavia and enjoys steady, quieter use in the United States.
Erik Around the World
Erik is used in 8 languages worldwide, with 44+ international variants.
Female FormErika
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Erik
Famous People Named Erik
- Erik the Red — Norse explorer, founder of the first Greenland settlements
- Erik Estrada — American actor (CHiPs)
- Erik Karlsson — Swedish professional ice hockey player
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Sibling Name Ideas for Erik
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Erik mean?
Erik is a boy name of Old Norse (Scandinavian) origin meaning "Eternal ruler; ever powerful." Erik is the traditional Scandinavian spelling of the Old Norse Eiríkr, meaning "ever ruler" or "eternally powerful," borne by numerous Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish kings throughout history. The name was carried across the North Atlantic by Erik the Red, the Norse explorer credited with founding the first Norse settlements in Greenland.
How do you pronounce Erik?
Erik is pronounced EHR-ik. Common variations include Eric, Erick, Eirik.
Is Erik a boy name?
Yes, Erik is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Rik, Ricky, E.
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