Erika Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AIR-ih-kah /ˈɛrɪkə/
Origin: German; Scandinavian; Japanese
Meaning: German: ruler; Scandinavian: eternal ruler; Japanese: blessed
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Erika has its roots in the Old Norse name Eiríkr, which is composed of the elements "ei" meaning "ever" or "always" and "ríkr" meaning "ruler" or "king." This name was brought into the English language through the influence of Scandinavian settlers and the Viking Age, which began around the late 8th century. The name evolved in various forms across different cultures, including the Germanic variants, and eventually made its way into modern usage as Erika, particularly in German-speaking countries.
Historically, the name Erika has been associated with several notable figures. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly in German literature and culture.
The name gained further prominence through its use in various literary works and its adoption by notable individuals, including royalty and artists. The name's association with strength and leadership, stemming from its etymological roots, has contributed to its enduring appeal.
Culturally, Erika has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing nobility and resilience. In Scandinavian folklore, names derived from Eiríkr were often linked to legendary kings and heroes, reinforcing the name's regal connotations.
Additionally, the name has been used in various forms of art and literature, further embedding it in cultural consciousness. The diminutive form "Erika" has also been affectionately used in various contexts, although the name itself stands strong in its own right, reflecting a blend of historical significance and cultural resonance.
Famous people named Erika
Erika Jayne is a singer and television personality best known for her music career and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Erika Christensen is an actress best known for Swimfan, Traffic, and Parenthood.
Erika Eleniak is an actress best known for Baywatch, Under Siege, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
Erika Slezak is an actress best known for One Life to Live and her numerous Daytime Emmy Awards.
Erika Badu is a singer-songwriter best known for Baduizm, Mama's Gun, and her influence on neo-soul music.
Fictional characters named Erika
Erika is a fictional character from the video game series Pokémon. She is a Gym Leader known for her expertise in Psychic-type Pokémon.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Erika was first seen in the United States in 1908.
Erika has ranked as high as #149 nationally, which occurred in 1990, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Erika has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Erika (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 33 | |
| CA | 30 | |
| FL | 14 | |
| IL | 10 | |
| WA | 8 | |
| KY | 7 | |
| MD | 7 | |
| NY | 7 | |
| CO | 7 | |
| NC | 6 | |
| TN | 6 | |
| AL | 5 | |
| NV | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1908 | 5 |
| 1912 | 5 |
| 1914 | 5 |
| 1915 | 8 |
| 1916 | 10 |
| 1917 | 5 |
| 1918 | 6 |
| 1922 | 8 |
| 1923 | 12 |
| 1924 | 14 |
| 1925 | 9 |
| 1926 | 15 |
| 1927 | 17 |
| 1928 | 18 |
| 1929 | 30 |
| 1930 | 16 |
| 1931 | 17 |
| 1932 | 15 |
| 1933 | 15 |
| 1934 | 21 |
| 1935 | 14 |
| 1936 | 15 |
| 1937 | 14 |
| 1938 | 26 |
| 1939 | 18 |
| 1940 | 42 |
| 1941 | 33 |
| 1942 | 25 |
| 1943 | 33 |
| 1944 | 29 |
| 1945 | 22 |
| 1946 | 31 |
| 1947 | 46 |
| 1948 | 54 |
| 1949 | 64 |
| 1950 | 34 |
| 1951 | 46 |
| 1952 | 79 |
| 1953 | 63 |
| 1954 | 70 |
| 1955 | 68 |
| 1956 | 102 |
| 1957 | 125 |
| 1958 | 132 |
| 1959 | 171 |
| 1960 | 176 |
| 1961 | 197 |
| 1962 | 257 |
| 1963 | 304 |
| 1964 | 356 |
| 1965 | 419 |
| 1966 | 491 |
| 1967 | 815 |
| 1968 | 956 |
| 1969 | 1,351 |
| 1970 | 1,941 |
| 1971 | 2,199 |
| 1972 | 2,183 |
| 1973 | 2,157 |
| 1974 | 2,265 |
| 1975 | 2,256 |
| 1976 | 2,341 |
| 1977 | 2,825 |
| 1978 | 2,826 |
| 1979 | 3,318 |
| 1980 | 3,517 |
| 1981 | 3,398 |
| 1982 | 3,596 |
| 1983 | 3,548 |
| 1984 | 3,542 |
| 1985 | 3,504 |
| 1986 | 3,678 |
| 1987 | 3,994 |
| 1988 | 3,886 |
| 1989 | 4,190 |
| 1990 | 4,569 |
| 1991 | 4,309 |
| 1992 | 4,341 |
| 1993 | 4,010 |
| 1994 | 3,584 |
| 1995 | 3,288 |
| 1996 | 3,078 |
| 1997 | 2,898 |
| 1998 | 2,672 |
| 1999 | 2,324 |
| 2000 | 2,734 |
| 2001 | 2,230 |
| 2002 | 1,960 |
| 2003 | 1,818 |
| 2004 | 1,772 |
| 2005 | 1,617 |
| 2006 | 1,431 |
| 2007 | 1,279 |
| 2008 | 1,017 |
| 2009 | 862 |
| 2010 | 728 |
| 2011 | 548 |
| 2012 | 556 |
| 2013 | 460 |
| 2014 | 421 |
| 2015 | 391 |
| 2016 | 383 |
| 2017 | 366 |
| 2018 | 299 |
| 2019 | 294 |
| 2020 | 248 |
| 2021 | 224 |
| 2022 | 189 |
| 2023 | 238 |
| 2024 | 211 |