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?
From Old Norse 'Eirikr', usually read as 'ei' ('ever, always') + 'rikr' ('ruler'), giving 'ever-ruler' or 'sole ruler'. Note: 'ruler/powerful', not literally 'king' — the second element is the Germanic 'ric' (ruler/power).
Nicknames for Eric
- Rick
Variants & spellings
- Erik
- Erick
- Erich
Names like Eric
norse names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Eric
Popular norse names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Eric
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eric mean?
Eric means ever-ruler. From Old Norse 'Eirikr', usually read as 'ei' ('ever, always') + 'rikr' ('ruler'), giving 'ever-ruler' or 'sole ruler'. Note: 'ruler/powerful', not literally 'king' — the second element is the Germanic 'ric' (ruler/power).
What is the origin of the name Eric?
Eric is of norse origin.
How do you pronounce Eric?
Eric is pronounced “EH-rik.”
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.
What names are similar to Eric?
Names similar to Eric include Erik, Odin, Magnus, Bjorn, Leif.
What names go well with Eric?
norse names that pair well with Eric include Erik, Freya, Odin, Astrid, Ingrid.