The nameEric
Eric is a boy's name of Old Norse origin meaning "sole ruler". A Viking name, it was a top 20 name in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Boy's name
- Old Norse
- Feast day
Meaning
Eric comes from the Old Norse Eiríkr, made of ei, "ever, alone", and ríkr, "ruler, powerful": "eternal ruler" or "sole ruler".
Origin
Old Norse. Erik the Red founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland around 985, and his son Leif Erikson reached North America.
History
Eric spread in Britain in the 19th century, then became very popular in the United States, reaching 13th place.
Did you know?
- Erik the Red founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland around 985.
- Eric Clapton is the only musician inducted three times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Eric Cantona won five English league titles, one with Leeds and four with Manchester United.
Famous people named Eric
- Erik the Red, explorer
- Eric Clapton, guitarist
- Eric Cantona, footballer
- Eric Idle, comedian
Popularity of the name Eric
Eric in the United States
Eric was most popular in the United States in the 1970s, with 212,838 births over the decade, 24% of all recorded babies named Eric. Its rise began around 1948, and it peaked in 1970. Half of all babies named Eric in the United States were born before 1980, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,642 births a year on average, against 2,675 in the five years before.
Eric in the United Kingdom
Eric was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 3,434 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Eric. Half of all babies named Eric in the United Kingdom were born before 2017, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 389 births a year on average, against 461 in the five years before.
Eric in Ireland
Eric in France
Eric in Belgium
Eric in Switzerland
Eric in Austria
Eric in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Eric
Names from the same generation as Eric, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Eric? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Eric with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Eric side by side with the name of your choice.
Eric in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eric mean?
Eric comes from the Old Norse Eiríkr, made of ei, "ever, alone", and ríkr, "ruler, powerful": "eternal ruler" or "sole ruler".
What is the origin of the name Eric?
Old Norse. Erik the Red founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland around 985, and his son Leif Erikson reached North America.
Is Eric a girl's or a boy's name?
Eric is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Eric?
In 2024, Eric was the 252nd most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,402 births.
What are the variants of the name Eric?
Variants and related names of Eric include Erica, Erick, Ericka, Harald, Harold, Hendrik and Henri.
What are good sibling names for Eric?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Alexandra, Jasmine, Melissa and Katherine for a sister, Steven, Stephen, Edgar and Richard for a brother.
Who are famous people named Eric?
Erik the Red, explorer; Eric Clapton, guitarist; Eric Cantona, footballer; Eric Idle, comedian.