Eric

Old Norse

"eternal ruler"

Eric Origin and Meaning

The name Eric is a boy's name of Scandinavian, Norse origin meaning "eternal ruler".

Eric is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, from the components ei, meaning "ever," and ríkr, "rule." It was adopted by English speakers in the mid-nineteenth century, who were already familiar with the exploits of the tenth century Viking navigator and discoverer of Greenland, Eric the Red. Erik is an alternate spelling and the preferred form of the name across much of Europe.

Eric—the all-time most popular Scandinavian boys’ name in the U. S.—peaked in the Ricky Nelson/Rick Springfield period.

From the mid-sixties to the late eighties, Eric was on the Top 25 list. Some of its best-known bearers: Eric Clapton, Eric Idle, Eric Dane and major characters in The Little Mermaid, True Blood and Friday Night Lights, not to mention Eric Cartman on South Park. Simon Cowell named his first son Eric after his father.

Erik is the Old-World spelling of Eric, now mega popular in Germany and Sweden.

Eric Popularity

• 229 US 2022
• 436 Nameberry 2024
• 303 Future 2028
• 132 England 2021
• 36 Germany 2017
• 44 Spain 2022
• 156 Switzerland 2021