Erik
Erik first appears in US records in 1911. It peaked in 1980, when 4,918 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 549.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Erik popular?
Declining Erik is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1980 peak.
| 2020s | 3,996 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 10,506 | |
| 2000s | 22,408 | |
| 1990s | 33,605 | |
| 1980s | 36,350 | |
| 1970s | 32,094 | |
| 1960s | 14,770 | |
| 1950s | 2,450 | |
| 1940s | 857 | |
| 1930s | 232 | |
| 1920s | 141 | |
| 1910s | 52 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Erik mean?
Erik joins the Old Norse for “ever” or “alone” with “ruler,” “eternal ruler.”
Names like Erik
Norse names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Erik
Popular Norse names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Erik
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Erik mean?
Erik means Eternal ruler. Erik joins the Old Norse for “ever” or “alone” with “ruler,” “eternal ruler.”
What is the origin of the name Erik?
Erik is of Norse origin.
How do you pronounce Erik?
Erik is pronounced “EH-rik.”
Is Erik a boy or a girl name?
Erik is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Erik a popular name right now?
Erik is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1980 peak.
How popular is the name Erik?
In 2025, Erik ranked #546 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Erik most popular?
Erik was most popular in 1980, when about 4,918 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Erik?
Names similar to Erik include Odin, Magnus, Bjorn, Leif, Ivar.
What names go well with Erik?
Norse names that pair well with Erik include Eric, Freya, Odin, Astrid, Ingrid.