Eric: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: e-hre-e-k
Origin: Denmark
gender-male

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Emmy Samtani

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Updated on Apr 14, 2025 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Europe
Meaning: Forever ruler

Eric is a typically masculine name that means "forever ruler" or "always ruler". It originates from the Old Norse language and is derived from the Norse word "Eirikr," which means "sole ruler" or "ever powerful". The name Eric has a rich history and is associated with royalty and power across various cultures and traditions. The name Eric has its roots in the Old Norse language, which is closely associated with the Viking people. Originally written as Eiríkr, the spelling has evolved and shortened over the years. Due to its meaning, it is common to find records of kings and powerful men named Eric across Northern European countries. The name Eric has experienced fluctuations in popularity since the Middle Ages and is currently not in the top 100 popular boys' names in the United States. Despite its decline in popularity, Eric remains a strong and commanding name with a rich history and cultural significance.

Eric Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Eric is currently #556 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Eric is currently #556 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Eric is currently #548 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-male Boy Unique: Eric is currently #548 on Kiindred Boy Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Famous People Named Eric

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Eric, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Eric Bana: Eric Bana is an Australian actor known for his roles in "Hulk," "Munich," and "Troy."
  • Eric Stonestreet: Eric Stonestreet is an American actor known for his role as Cameron Tucker on the television series "Modern Family."
  • Eric Roberts: Eric Roberts is an American actor known for his roles in "Runaway Train," "The Dark Knight," and "The Pope of Greenwich Village."
  • Eric Stoltz: An American actor, director, and film producer, Stoltz is known for his roles in films like Mask and Pulp Fiction.
  • Eric Dane: An American actor, Dane is best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and The Last Ship. He has also appeared in films like Marley & Me and Burlesque.

 

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