Eric Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationAIR-ik / /ˈɛrɪk/Old Norse; Germanic
Meaning
Old Norse: eternal ruler; Germanic: ever powerful
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Eric has its roots in Old Norse, derived from the elements "ei" meaning "ever" or "always" and "rikr" meaning "ruler" or "king." This combination suggests a meaning akin to "eternal ruler" or "ever-powerful." The name was introduced into English through the influence of Scandinavian settlers and the Viking Age, particularly during the 8th to 11th centuries when Norse culture permeated parts of the British Isles. The Old Norse form "Eiríkr" evolved into various forms across different languages, including the Old French "Henri" and the Old High German "Heimirich," before settling into the modern English form, Eric.
Historically, the name Eric is associated with several notable figures, particularly in Scandinavian history. One of the earliest recorded bearers was Eric I of Norway, who reigned in the late 10th century. The name also appears in various sagas and chronicles, including the Saga of Eric the Red, which recounts the exploration of Greenland in the 10th century. Additionally, Eric of Pomerania, who became King of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in the early 15th century, further solidified the name's prominence in royal contexts.
Culturally, the name Eric has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing leadership and strength. In medieval Scandinavia, it was a common name among kings and nobles, which contributed to its enduring legacy. The name has also been associated with various saints, including Saint Eric, the patron saint of Sweden, who was martyred in the 12th century. This connection to nobility and sanctity has helped maintain the name's significance across generations, with diminutive forms like "Rick" or "Ricky" emerging in various cultures, though the original form remains the most recognized.
Trend Summary
Eric has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Erik
- Eryk
International Variants
- Erik (Swedish)
- Éric (French)
- Eryk (Polish)
Famous people named Eric
Eric Clapton is a musician best known for Layla, Tears in Heaven, and Wonderful Tonight.
Eric Idle is a comedian and actor best known for Monty Python's Flying Circus, Spamalot, and The Rutles.
Eric Bana is an actor best known for Hulk, Munich, and The Time Traveler's Wife.
Eric Schmidt is a businessman best known for being the CEO of Google and Executive Chairman of Alphabet Inc.
Eric Roberts is an actor best known for Runaway Train, The Dark Knight, and The Expendables.
Eric McCormack is an actor best known for Will & Grace, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Travelers.
Eric Koston is a professional skateboarder best known for his contributions to street skating and his video parts.
Eric Lindros is a former professional ice hockey player best known for his time with the Philadelphia Flyers and winning the Hart Trophy.
Eric Bledsoe is a professional basketball player best known for his time with the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
Eric Church is a country music singer and songwriter best known for Springsteen, Chief, and Desperate Man.
Fictional characters named Eric
Eric Cartman is a fictional character from the animated television series South Park. He is a controversial and often antagonistic character known for his crude humor and manipulative behavior.
Eric Draven is a fictional character from the comic book series and film The Crow. He is a rock musician who returns from the dead to seek vengeance for his and his fiancée's murder.
Eric Matthews is a fictional character from the television series Boy Meets World. He is the older brother of the main character, Cory, and is known for his comedic and often clueless personality.
Eric Northman is a fictional character from the book series The Southern Vampire Mysteries and the television series True Blood. He is a powerful vampire and owner of a bar, known for his charm and complex relationships with humans and other supernatural beings.
Eric Sullivan is a fictional character from the television series The Secret Life of the American Teenager. He is a supportive friend and character who navigates the challenges of adolescence alongside his peers.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Eric was first seen in the United States in 1880. Eric has ranked as high as #25 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Eric has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Eric (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 234 | |
| TX | 186 | |
| FL | 86 | |
| NY | 63 | |
| PA | 55 | |
| OH | 54 | |
| WA | 43 | |
| AZ | 39 | |
| NC | 36 | |
| GA | 36 | |
| TN | 34 | |
| MI | 32 | |
| VA | 32 | |
| IL | 30 | |
| MA | 29 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 10 |
| 1881 | 9 |
| 1882 | 9 |
| 1883 | 11 |
| 1884 | 12 |
| 1885 | 16 |
| 1886 | 10 |
| 1887 | 11 |
| 1888 | 13 |
| 1889 | 21 |
| 1890 | 13 |
| 1891 | 18 |
| 1892 | 18 |
| 1893 | 13 |
| 1894 | 20 |
| 1895 | 20 |
| 1896 | 25 |
| 1897 | 30 |
| 1898 | 30 |
| 1899 | 17 |
| 1900 | 21 |
| 1901 | 25 |
| 1902 | 26 |
| 1903 | 34 |
| 1904 | 15 |
| 1905 | 23 |
| 1906 | 33 |
| 1907 | 22 |
| 1908 | 30 |
| 1909 | 33 |
| 1910 | 41 |
| 1911 | 35 |
| 1912 | 93 |
| 1913 | 109 |
| 1914 | 145 |
| 1915 | 155 |
| 1916 | 155 |
| 1917 | 186 |
| 1918 | 202 |
| 1919 | 190 |
| 1920 | 186 |
| 1921 | 179 |
| 1922 | 200 |
| 1923 | 175 |
| 1924 | 228 |
| 1925 | 211 |
| 1926 | 214 |
| 1927 | 208 |
| 1928 | 221 |
| 1929 | 205 |
| 1930 | 206 |
| 1931 | 213 |
| 1932 | 199 |
| 1933 | 234 |
| 1934 | 259 |
| 1935 | 288 |
| 1936 | 296 |
| 1937 | 299 |
| 1938 | 370 |
| 1939 | 432 |
| 1940 | 482 |
| 1941 | 703 |
| 1942 | 866 |
| 1943 | 1,170 |
| 1944 | 1,195 |
| 1945 | 1,351 |
| 1946 | 1,820 |
| 1947 | 2,345 |
| 1948 | 2,492 |
| 1949 | 2,768 |
| 1950 | 3,095 |
| 1951 | 3,664 |
| 1952 | 3,990 |
| 1953 | 3,929 |
| 1954 | 4,169 |
| 1955 | 4,659 |
| 1956 | 5,253 |
| 1957 | 6,620 |
| 1958 | 8,189 |
| 1959 | 9,729 |
| 1960 | 10,534 |
| 1961 | 11,114 |
| 1962 | 12,343 |
| 1963 | 13,277 |
| 1964 | 14,567 |
| 1965 | 16,830 |
| 1966 | 16,472 |
| 1967 | 17,831 |
| 1968 | 18,502 |
| 1969 | 20,746 |
| 1970 | 23,573 |
| 1971 | 22,964 |
| 1972 | 22,031 |
| 1973 | 20,802 |
| 1974 | 20,188 |
| 1975 | 19,796 |
| 1976 | 21,363 |
| 1977 | 20,745 |
| 1978 | 19,763 |
| 1979 | 20,269 |
| 1980 | 22,614 |
| 1981 | 20,715 |
| 1982 | 19,879 |
| 1983 | 20,356 |
| 1984 | 20,956 |
| 1985 | 20,843 |
| 1986 | 19,528 |
| 1987 | 20,203 |
| 1988 | 20,174 |
| 1989 | 18,978 |
| 1990 | 19,429 |
| 1991 | 18,051 |
| 1992 | 16,145 |
| 1993 | 14,548 |
| 1994 | 13,310 |
| 1995 | 12,486 |
| 1996 | 11,610 |
| 1997 | 10,317 |
| 1998 | 9,964 |
| 1999 | 9,382 |
| 2000 | 9,161 |
| 2001 | 8,559 |
| 2002 | 7,927 |
| 2003 | 7,787 |
| 2004 | 7,133 |
| 2005 | 6,697 |
| 2006 | 6,231 |
| 2007 | 5,959 |
| 2008 | 5,377 |
| 2009 | 4,645 |
| 2010 | 4,200 |
| 2011 | 3,750 |
| 2012 | 3,636 |
| 2013 | 3,265 |
| 2014 | 3,321 |
| 2015 | 3,045 |
| 2016 | 2,928 |
| 2017 | 2,782 |
| 2018 | 2,408 |
| 2019 | 2,204 |
| 2020 | 1,917 |
| 2021 | 1,789 |
| 2022 | 1,560 |
| 2023 | 1,544 |
| 2024 | 1,402 |