Eric: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced AIR-ik · 2 syllables
Eric means “always, eternal; ruler”, from Germanic and English and Norse.
From Middle English Eric, from Old English Eoric, from Old Norse Eirrikr, Eirikr (from ei (“always, eternal”, see aye) + rikr (“ruler”)), or from Proto-Germanic *Aizarikijaz (from *aizo (“honor”) + *rikijaz (“ruler”)). Less likely from einn (“sole, alone”) + rikr (“ruler”), from Proto-Germanic *riks (“king”, cognate to Latin rex and Gaulish *rix).
- Meaning
- always, eternal; ruler
- Origin
- Germanic, English, Norse
- Pronunciation
- AIR-ik
- US rank (2025)
- #273
- US babies a year
- about 2,553 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1970
How popular is Eric?
Eric was the #273 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,256 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 48% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1970.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #273 |
| England & Wales | #129 |
| Scotland | #292 |
| Northern Ireland | #169 |
| Ireland | #210 |
| France | #631 |
| Norway | #393 |
| Canada | #292 |
| Australia | #274 |
How old are people named Eric?
Half of US adults named Eric are older than 46; most are between 22 and 68. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Eric
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Eric have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Eric
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Eric
What does the name Eric mean?
Eric means “always, eternal; ruler”. It comes from Germanic and English and Norse.
How do you pronounce Eric?
Eric is pronounced AIR-ik.
How popular is the name Eric?
Eric was the #273 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,256 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 48% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1970.
How old are people named Eric?
Half of US adults named Eric are older than 46. Most are between 22 and 68.