Origin and Meaning of Eric

Eternal ruler

Origin: Old Norse - Derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, which is a combination of two elements: 'ei' meaning 'ever' or 'eternal' and 'ríkr' meaning 'ruler' or 'king'.

• Eric is a name that has ancient roots, associated with Scandinavian kings and heroes, making it a name of noble heritage.
• The name Eric has variants in many cultures, including Erik in Scandinavia, Éric in French, and Eryk in Polish.
• Notable figures with this name include Eric the Red, an explorer from the Viking Age, and Eric Clapton, renowned musician.
• The name's popularity surged in the United States during the 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Variations and related names include Eryk, Erik, and even the feminine form Erika, each having cultural significance in different regions.