Eric
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Eternal; Ruler
Background: The name Eric originates from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, which is composed of the elements 'ei' meaning 'ever' or 'eternal,' and 'ríkr' meaning 'ruler' or 'king.' This name has been prevalent in various forms across Germanic languages, reflecting its strong roots in leadership and enduring qualities.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#35
Total births
891,929
Most popular decade
1970s
(638,514 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-129 ranks)
Years in Top 100
61
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.5% male
0.5% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 10
- First year rank
- #600
- Peak year
- 1970
- Peak year births
- 23,573
- Peak rank
- #18
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 1,402
- Recent rank
- #251
Female
- First year
- 1942
- First year births
- 7
- First year rank
- #3,738
- Peak year
- 1988
- Peak year births
- 165
- Peak rank
- #996
- Most recent year
- 2016
- Recent year births
- 5
- Recent rank
- #16,210
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).