Updated May 24, 2023

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Boy name origins & meanings

  • Scandinavian : Ruler of all

What does Eric mean and stand for?

The name Eric is of Scandinavian origin and means "ruler of all." It is from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, comprised of the elements ei, meaning "ever, always" and rikr, meaning "ruler, mighty."

Syllables: 2

Boy name variations

Aric

Aric

- 11% this year
Masculine
Rare
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Ehrich

Ehrich

0 % this year
Masculine
Rare
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Ericc

Ericc

0 % this year
Masculine
Rare
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Erick

Erick

0 % this year
Masculine
Common
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Erico

Erico

0 % this year
Masculine
Rare
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Eryc

Eryc

0 % this year
Masculine
Rare
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Erik

Erik

+ 2% this year
Masculine
Uncommon
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Erek

Erek

0 % this year
Masculine
Rare
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Eryk

Eryk

- 43% this year
Masculine
Rare
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Erikson

Erikson

+ 71% this year
Masculine
Rare
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How Popular Is The Name Eric

Family name origins & meanings

  • French : from the personal name Erich, of Old Norse origin (see Erickson).

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Popularity

According to Social Security Administration data, Eric has been declining in popularity for the past two decades. It fell out of the top 50 in 2002 and the top 100 in 2011. Despite the decline, Eric still remains in the top 200.

However, it is the 33rd most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Eric was at its peak popularity in September 2018.

Adopted by English speakers in the mid-19th century, Eric has been popular for quite some time. It truly peaked in the 1950s and 1960s, most likely due both namesakes and pop culture references. Notable namesakes include Eric Clapton, Eric Idle, Eric Dane, Eric Hilliard "Ricky" Nelson, Eric Church, Eric West, and Eric Christian Olsen. IT has made many appearances in pop culture, as well, appearing in Friday Night Lights, The Little Mermaid, South Park, True Blood, V for Vendetta, Gossip Girl, and That 70's Show to name a few. Simon Cowell and Donald Trump chose the name Eric for their sons.

Where is it Popular?

Eric was searched for most often in the following states:

Nicknames for Eric
  • Rick
  • Ricky
  • Rico

Pairs well with these middle names