Erich

The first name Erich is a Germanized form of the Scandinavian name Erik, which has its roots in Old Norse Eirikr (Eiríkr) or Æiríkr.

What does the name Erich mean?

As a masculine first name, Erich means 'the sole ruler' or 'the absolute ruler.' It is sometimes interpreted as 'the eternal ruler' or 'the honorable ruler,' which arises from the composition of the word components. The origin of the name traces back to Old Norse and consists of the elements ei or æn for 'one,' 'alone,' 'unique,' or 'lonely' and rikr for 'powerful,' 'the ruler,' or 'the prince.' Variants include Eric, Erico, Ericus, Eirikur, Erick, Eriky, Erikas, Eryk, Eryck, Eero, Eerikki, Jerik, Jerrik, and Jerre. The name is also used as a surname. Notable personalities with this name include authors Erich Kästner, Erich Fried, and Erich Maria Remarque, as well as painter Erich Heckel.

Where does the name Erich come from?

The name Erich has its roots in Old Norse and means 'the sole ruler.'

How do you pronounce Erich?

The name Erich is pronounced in German as two syllables and is clearly structured. It is usually pronounced as 'E-rich' [ˈeːʁɪç], starting with a long, bright 'e,' which gives it an open sound quality. The gentle fricative 'ch' at the end provides a distinctive, slightly breathy finish. Erich conveys an impression of objectivity and tradition – calm, structured, and present.

When is the name day of Erich?

The name days for Erich are May 18 and July 10.

Popularity

Erich has been a fixed part of the naming landscape in Germany since the late 19th century. For many years, the name was among the most common and recognized first names, shaping the respective birth cohorts. Its peak was in the early 1920s, reaching a high point in 1927 at rank 6. Even before and after that, the name remained at a high level for a long time.

Nicknames & pet names

Eeeriiich / Enriko / Eri / Ertschi / Honey / Kericht / Richerl / Richi / Richie / Richu / Ritchi

Similar first names

Famous people

• Erich A. Collin (singer (Comedian Harmonists))
• Erich Altenkopf (Austrian actor)
• Erich Anderson (American actor)
• Erich Auerbach (Czech photographer)
• Erich Bromme (German historian)
• Erich Buchholz (artist from Germany)
• Erich Dinkler (German theologian)
• Erich Feldmann (philosopher from Germany)
• Erich Folz (German footballer)
• Erich Frank (German doctor)
• Erich Fromm (psychologist, philosopher)
• Erich Grond (doctor from Germany)
• Erich Gruner (American historian)
• Erich Haack (chemist from Germany)
• Erich Haußmann (German actor)
• Erich Höhne (German photographer)
• Erich Honecker (former East German party leader)
• Erich K. Hess (German architect)
• Erich Kästner (German writer)
• Erich Klann (competitive dancer)