Erykah
About Erykah
Erykah is a modern feminine variant of the name Eric or Erica, with a unique spelling that gained visibility primarily through American singer Erykah Badu who rose to fame in the late 1990s. This creative spelling adds a distinctive and artistic flair to the original name, which derives from Old Norse roots meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' The unique 'y' and 'h' combination gives the name an exotic quality while maintaining its melodic pronunciation. Though relatively uncommon, Erykah appeals to parents seeking distinctive names with cultural significance and a contemporary feel. The name conveys strength and individuality, characteristics emblematic of its most famous bearer.
Pronounced AIR-i-kah.
As of October 2026, Erykah ranked #13733 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #757 in 1997.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | #4,920 | 27 | 15.9 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |
Erykah on lists
Famous Erykahs
- Erykah Badu (born Erica Abi Wright)
singer and actress