Eric

Eric is the English variant of the name Erik. Its origin can be traced back to the Scandinavian name Eirikr or Airikr and means 'the sole ruler'. This meaning is based on the Old Norse words ain or aen, meaning 'unique' or 'alone', and rikr, meaning 'powerful' or 'ruler'.

What does the name Eric mean?

Eric is the English form of Erik and originally derives from the Scandinavian name Eirikr or Airikr. The meaning 'the sole ruler' comes from the Old Norse words ain or aen for 'unique, alone' and rikr for 'great, powerful, ruler'. In Germany, while Eric is used, the spelling Erik with 'k' is more widespread. The Germanized form Erich has largely replaced Eric or Erik as first names. In France, the name is written as Éric, while in the Catalan-speaking region, the form Èric is common.

Where does the name Eric come from?

The name Eric has its roots in the English form of Erik, which in turn developed from the Scandinavian name Eirikr or Airikr. These names derive from the Old Norse terms for 'unique, alone' (ain/aen) and 'great, powerful, ruler' (rikr). The language families from which Eric originates include English, French, and Nordic.

How do you pronounce Eric?

The pronunciation of Eric is two syllables and concise. In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as 'E-ric' [ˈeːʁɪk], with the first syllable stressed and pronounced with a long 'e', giving it brightness. The final hard 'k' provides a clear and distinct ending. Eric conveys a modern and direct impression - factual, lively, and contemporary.

When is the name day of Eric?

The name day for Eric is celebrated on May 18, in honor of Erik IX, the King of Sweden.

Popularity

Eric has been a common masculine first name in Germany since the late 1920s. After its first appearance, Eric quickly became a familiar name, although it did not belong to the dominant first names of the respective year. For many decades, Eric remained consistently present in Germany. From the 1940s to the 1980s, Eric mostly occupied the middle range of popularity, making it appear more classically established than temporarily modern.

Nicknames & pet names

Cire / Egi / Eic / Eki / Ele / Elek / Elusch / Emeric / Encrico / Enrike / Erc / Ercan / Ercu / Eri / Erich / Erici / Ericius / Ericson / Ericsonn / Erk / Ero / Errico / Erä / Ric / Rici / Rick / Ricki / Rik / Rikki / Rixi / Äric / Ärig / Örüc

Similar first names

Famous people

• Eric A. Hegg (Swedish photographer)
• Eric Adams (singer of the band 'Manowar')
• Eric Alain Wilson (singer from Germany)
• Eric Bäckman (guitarist of the Swedish band 'Deathstars')
• Eric Balfour (American actor and singer)
• Eric Bana (actor)
• Eric Banks (American composer)
• Eric Barrett Winter (American actor & model)
• Eric Bazilian (American musician)
• Eric Bibb (American singer)
• Eric Bogosian (American actor)
• Eric Cantona (French actor and former professional footballer)
• Eric Carle (author ('The Very Hungry Caterpillar'))
• Eric Carr (drummer of the New York band KISS 1950-1991)
• Eric Cartman (comic character (South Park))
• Eric Christian Olsen (actor)
• Eric Clapton (English rock guitarist and singer)
• Eric Close (actor)
• Eric Crabtree (American football player)
• Eric Dane (actor)