What Does the Name Eric Mean?
Eric is a boy's name of Old Norse origin meaning “ever-ruler, eternal ruler.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Eric |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Old Norse |
| Meaning | ever-ruler, eternal ruler |
| Variants | Erik, Erich, Erico, Eirik, Aric |
| Popularity | A US top-40 name from the 1960s through the 1990s; it remains in common, though declining, use. |
The meaning and origin of Eric
The name Eric means “ever-ruler, eternal ruler” and has Old Norse origins. From the Old Norse name Eirikr, combining elements meaning 'ever' or 'alone' with 'ruler,' giving the sense of 'eternal ruler.' Brought to England by Scandinavian settlers, it was revived in the 19th century and became very popular in the 20th.
Variants and related names
Eric is related to several other names you may recognize: Erik, Erich, Erico, Eirik, Aric. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Eric?
A US top-40 name from the 1960s through the 1990s; it remains in common, though declining, use.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eric mean?+
The name Eric means “ever-ruler, eternal ruler” and is of Old Norse origin.
What is the origin of the name Eric?+
Eric originates from Old Norse.
Is Eric a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Eric has trended in the US over time.
Eric by gender
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Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press