Eric
Eric is an boy name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Eternal or sole ruler”.
| Meaning | Eternal or sole ruler |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Old Norse |
| Pronunciation | AIR-ik |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | Sweden, United States, Germany, Norway |
Meaning and origin of Eric
Eric comes from the Old Norse Eiríkr, usually explained as ei, 'ever' or 'alone', and ríkr, 'ruler'. It was the name of many Scandinavian kings, including Saint Eric of Sweden, as well as the explorer Erik the Red, who founded the Norse settlement in Greenland. It was rare in England until Dean Farrar's novel Eric, or Little by Little (1858) made it popular. It became one of the classic boy's names of the twentieth century.
Is Eric a religious name?
Eric is not a biblical name, but Saint Eric IX of Sweden, a twelfth-century king, is the patron saint of Sweden. Most families use it simply as a classic name.
How popular is Eric?
Well established across Europe and North America, though less fashionable than in past decades.
Gifts with the name Eric
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Spellings and variants of Eric
Names similar to Eric
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eric mean?
Eric means 'Eternal or sole ruler'. It is of Old Norse origin.
Does Eric have a religious meaning?
Eric is not a biblical name, but Saint Eric IX of Sweden, a twelfth-century king, is the patron saint of Sweden. Most families use it simply as a classic name.
How do you pronounce Eric?
Eric is pronounced AIR-ik.
Is Eric a boy or girl name?
Eric is usually a boy name.