Eric: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Eric mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Scandinavian: Eternal ruler
Norse: Ever powerful

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Eric is pronounced EH-rick

The name Eric has Scandinavian origins and means "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful." It is from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, comprised of the elements ei, meaning "ever, always" and rikr, meaning "ruler, mighty." It was popularized by Scandinavian kings and has been a classic and timeless name across the globe.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

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

Famous people with this first name

Eric Clapton

Eric Dane

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Donald Trump

Iggy Pop

Popularity of the Name Eric

According to Social Security Administration data, Eric has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. baby name rankings, consistently staying within the top 300 names over the past several decades.

Historically, it peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, frequently appearing in the top 20. Notable figures named Eric include Viking explorer Erik the Red, actors Eric Bana and Eric Roberts, and musician Eric Clapton. Fictional characters named Eric can be found in media titles such as The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric) and True Blood (Eric Northman). It has made many other appearances in pop culture, as well, appearing in Friday Night Lights, South Park, V for Vendetta, Gossip Girl, and That 70's Show, to name a few. Eric's enduring popularity can also be attributed to its strong and timeless meaning, "eternal ruler."