Eric
Eric first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1970, when 23,571 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,256.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Eric popular?
Declining Eric is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1970 peak.
| 2020s | 9,477 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 31,550 | |
| 2000s | 69,480 | |
| 1990s | 135,244 | |
| 1980s | 204,230 | |
| 1970s | 211,481 | |
| 1960s | 152,222 | |
| 1950s | 53,295 | |
| 1940s | 15,190 | |
| 1930s | 2,796 | |
| 1920s | 2,027 | |
| 1910s | 1,311 | |
| 1900s | 262 | |
| 1890s | 204 | |
| 1880s | 122 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Eric mean?
Eric comes from the Old Norse Eiríkr — ei (“ever, always”) and ríkr (“ruler”) — “eternal ruler” or “ever-powerful.” Erik the Red, the Norse explorer of Greenland, is a celebrated bearer.
Nicknames for Eric
- Rick
Variants & spellings
- Erik
- Erick
- Erich
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Eric a boy or a girl name?
Eric is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Eric a popular name right now?
Eric is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1970 peak.
How popular is the name Eric?
In 2025, Eric ranked #273 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Eric most popular?
Eric was most popular in 1970, when about 23,571 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Eric?
Common nicknames for Eric include Rick.