Eric
Eric is a boys' name of Norse origin meaning “eternal ruler or sole ruler.” It ranked #273 in the United States in 2025. From the Old Norse Eiríkr, usually read as eternal ruler or sole ruler.
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how do you pronounce Eric?
EHR-ik
where does the name Eric come from?
From the Old Norse Eiríkr. The second element is ríkr, ruler; the first is read either as ei, ever or always, or as a word meaning one or alone. The name is therefore usually glossed as eternal ruler or sole ruler.
Scandinavian settlers reinforced its use in England before the Norman Conquest, and it became common in the nineteenth century.
how popular is this name?
Eric has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #13 in 1973, and ranked #273 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #273 |
| 2024 | #252 |
| 2023 | #227 |
| 2022 | #229 |
| 2021 | #213 |
| 2020 | #198 |
| 2019 | #176 |
| 2018 | #160 |
| 2017 | #143 |
| 2016 | #142 |
| 2010 | #95 |
| 2000 | #42 |
| 1990 | #24 |
| 1980 | #16 |
| 1973 | #13 |
| 1970 | #18 |
| 1960 | #44 |
| 1950 | #98 |
| 1940 | #249 |
| 1930 | #408 |
| 1920 | #445 |
| 1910 | #421 |
| 1900 | #518 |
| 1890 | #533 |
| 1880 | #600 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Eric fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Eric
The name was in use in Anglo-Saxon England and was reinforced by Scandinavian settlers before the Norman Conquest. It became common in the nineteenth century, helped by Frederic Farrar's 1858 novel Eric, or, Little by Little. In the United States it peaked at number 13 from 1973 to 1976 and ranked 273rd in 2025.
who are famous people named Eric?
- Eric Clapton (musician)
- Eric Carle (author and illustrator)
- Eric Idle (comedian)
- Eric Liddell (athlete and missionary)
what are the nicknames and variants of Eric?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Eric?
what names go well with Eric?
Sibling names that share Eric's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Eric
What does the name Eric mean?
Eric means “eternal ruler or sole ruler”.
What is the origin of the name Eric?
Eric comes from the Norse naming tradition. Related forms include Erik, Erick, Erich and Eirik.
How popular is the name Eric?
Eric ranked #273 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1973, at #13, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Eric a boy or girl name?
Eric is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Eric?
Eric is pronounced EHR-ik, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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