Names That Mean Ruler
- Erica
Origin:
Norse feminization of Eric or Italian word nameMeaning:
"eternal ruler; heather"Description:
The straightforward Erica is a Norse feminization that was long associated with the complex, mega-popular character Erica Kane, played by Susan Lucci for decades on the soap opera All My Children. Used in Scandinavia since the early eighteenth century, where it was usually spelled Erika, it was in the Top 50 girls' list in the USA in the 1970s and eighties.
- Erik
Origin:
Spelling variation of Eric, Old NorseMeaning:
"eternal ruler"Description:
While substituting a C for a K is a modern trend, Erik is in fact the traditional spelling of the name, derived from the Old Norse Eiríkr and introduced to the English speaking world in the Anglo-Saxon period. Now, Erik is popular in Scandinavia and throughout much of Central and Eastern Europe, where it ranks in the Top 100 in Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, and more.
- Henrietta
Origin:
Feminine variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Despite a return to such feminizations of male names as Josephine, Clementine, and Theodora, starchy Henrietta has not made it into that group. Still, if you look hard enough, you'll see that Henrietta has the same vintage charm.
- Hendrix
Origin:
Dutch and German, from first name HendrikMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Hendrix is one of those hip rock and roll names, like Lennon, Jagger and Presley, that have been used by fellow celebs and others, to honor the seminal guitarist/singer/songwriter Jimi. And this one has the trendy 'x' ending, as well, helping to propel it up the charts and into the spotlight.
- Freddie
Origin:
Dininutive of Frederick, GermanMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Just the kind of casual, flippant nickname that upscale Brits are putting on their sons' birth certificates, but few U.S. parents are.
- Geraldine
Origin:
German and French, feminine variation of GeraldMeaning:
"ruler with the spear"Description:
Though twin brother Gerald is still in baby name limbo, Geraldine is in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival—even though Gerry is not as spunky a nickname as Josie.
- Gerald
Origin:
English and Irish from GermanMeaning:
"ruler with the spear"Description:
Both a saint's name and a presidential one via Gerald Ford—who was born Leslie—Gerald is a quintessential 1930s-40s name, when it ranked as high as Number 19. Hence all those nice middle-aged and senior Jerrys we've known and loved. Gerald has always been popular in Ireland, accounting for the prevalence of Fitzgeralds there. Though not considered stylish, Gerald remains on the popularity charts. Cousin Gerard has a similar profile, Geraldo is the well-used Spanish version, and Geraldine is the most promising of the family, in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival.
- Ricky
Origin:
English diminutive of Richard or FrederickMeaning:
"dominant ruler; peaceful ruler"Description:
Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.
- Rui
Origin:
Portuguese diminutive of RodrigoMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
This charming mini name began life as a nickname for Rodrigo but has since taken on a life of its own, ranking as an independent name in Portugal, it’s country of origin. If you’re looking to honor a Rodrigo, Roger, or Roderick in your life, Rui is an appealing international option. Ruy is a spelling variation that is more commonly seen in Spain.
- Dick
Origin:
Diminutive of RichardMeaning:
"dominant ruler"Description:
Dick was a once-common short form of Richard; replaced by Rick or Richie, and finally by the full name itself. Rude meaning -- make that two rude meanings -- pretty much knocks this one out of consideration.
- Vladimir
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"Description:
Vladimir is a cultured and deep-rooted Slavic name associated in this country with cultural figures including piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz and the author of Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov.
- Landry
Origin:
French and EnglishMeaning:
"ruler"Description:
St. Landry was a seventh century bishop of Paris, founder of the city's first hospital. The name is more familiar in recent years thanks to legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, an association that makes this a sports hero name, as well as a thoroughly masculine one. Landry is also in use for girls in the US. Landry is one of the oldest surnames in France, dating back to the medieval period, and is particularly popular among Cajun-Americans. It has been on the Social Security list since 2010.
- Rika
Origin:
Japanese, or diminutive of names that end in -rikaMeaning:
"beautiful village; peaceful ruler; estate ruler"Description:
Rika is most common as a Japanese name, when it means "beautiful village" in one kanji combination. It is also seen as a nickname and given name in Scandinavia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, where Rika originated as a nickname for names such as Fredrika and Henrika.
- Harry
Origin:
Diminutive of Harriet, EnglishMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Rarely given as a full name for baby girls, but occasionally used as a nickname for names such as Harriet and Henrietta.
- Roderick
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
The aristocratic--if not haughty--Roderick was nevertheless consistently in the Top 1000, reaching as high as Number 221 in 1967, when it was not uncommon to run into a Rod or a Roddy. It's at a low point right now, but we can envision it being revived as a neglected, dignified grandpa name, perhaps when Rod is no longer a potentially embarrassing nickname..
- Henri
Origin:
French and Finnish variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.
- Averie
Origin:
Spelling variation of AveryMeaning:
"ruler of the elves"Description:
This spelling has been on the rise since it entered the charts in 2004, hot on the coattails of trendy Avery.
- Eero
Origin:
Finnish variation of EricMeaning:
"eternal ruler"Description:
Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
- Rico
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of RicardoMeaning:
"dominant ruler"Description:
Consider this short form for your little Richard.
- Fritz
Origin:
German, diminutive of Friedrich or FrederickMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Since female cousins Mitzi and Fritzi have entered the realm of possibilities, there's a chance that Cousin Fritz could as well. Fritz is the name of several notables, from early German-born film director Lang to early footballer Fritz (born Frederick) Pollard, the first African-American to play in the Rose Bowl in 1916.
Introducing the Nameberry App

Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.

