Erik Name Meaning

The name Erik is often associated with bravery, leadership, and strength. It means “ever ruler” or “eternal ruler” in Old Norse.

The History of Erik

Erik is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name “Eiríkr”. It was popular among the Vikings and was used by several prominent figures in Nordic history, including King Erik the Red of Greenland.

The name was introduced to England by the Norman conquerors and was later adopted in other countries, including the United States.

Origins of the Name Erik

Erik is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name “Eiríkr”. It was used by several prominent figures in Nordic history, including King Erik the Red of Greenland.

Popularity of the Name Erik

Erik was a popular name in the United States in the mid-20th century, reaching its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. However, its popularity has declined in recent years, and it is now a less common name.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Erik was a popular name, ranking in the top 200 names for boys. In the 1960s, its popularity reached its peak, ranking in the top 100 names for boys.

In recent decades, its popularity has declined, and it is now a less common name.

Famous Eriks

  • Erik the Red, Norwegian explorer and founder of the first Norse settlement in Greenland
  • Erik Satie, French composer and pianist
  • Erik Estrada, American actor

Final Thoughts on the Name Erik

In conclusion, Erik is a strong and classic name with Nordic roots and a long history of usage. Its association with bravery, leadership, and strength make it a fitting name for a boy, and its charming and timeless appeal will ensure that it remains a well-liked name for many years to come.

Infographic of Erik name meaning, which is A form of Eiríkr, Erik is a Scandinavian name meaning everlasting ruler.
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Erik Name Popularity

How popular is the name Erik? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1911 0 0%
1912 0 0%
1913 0 0%
1914 0 0%
1915 0 0%
1916 0 0%
1917 0 0%
1918 0 0%
1919 0 0%
1920 0 0%
1921 1,668 5 0.0004%
1922 0 0%
1923 1,329 7 0.0006%
1924 1,359 7 0.0006%
1925 0 0%
1926 1,410 6 0.0005%
1927 1,455 5 0.0005%
1928 0 0%
1929 0 0%
1930 0 0%
1931 1,327 6 0.0006%
1932 1,442 5 0.0005%
1933 1,112 10 0.0011%
1934 1,381 5 0.0005%
1935 1,311 6 0.0006%
1936 1,453 5 0.0005%
1937 1,235 6 0.0006%
1938 1,350 5 0.0005%
1939 862 20 0.002%
1940 936 17 0.0016%
1941 863 22 0.002%
1942 931 19 0.0015%
1943 699 45 0.0034%
1944 844 24 0.0019%
1945 673 46 0.0038%
1946 713 46 0.0031%
1947 637 77 0.0046%
1948 715 50 0.0031%
1949 535 117 0.0073%
1950 643 73 0.0045%
1951 546 113 0.0067%
1952 531 131 0.0075%
1953 500 155 0.0088%
1954 478 184 0.0101%
1955 482 188 0.0102%
1956 489 197 0.0104%
1957 437 269 0.014%
1958 439 279 0.0148%
1959 394 370 0.0195%
1960 368 420 0.0222%
1961 350 465 0.0246%
1962 347 474 0.0258%
1963 297 641 0.0357%
1964 222 1,116 0.0634%
1965 144 2,117 0.1295%
1966 146 1,934 0.1239%
1967 133 2,238 0.1475%
1968 124 2,356 0.1569%
1969 120 2,714 0.1762%
1970 101 3,245 0.2039%
1971 97 3,214 0.2139%
1972 86 3,396 0.2493%
1973 86 3,060 0.236%
1974 90 2,881 0.2217%
1975 87 2,859 0.2225%
1976 94 2,754 0.2137%
1977 94 2,786 0.2067%
1978 85 3,264 0.2428%
1979 66 4,638 0.3289%
1980 64 4,912 0.3359%
1981 75 3,922 0.2668%
1982 80 3,633 0.2431%
1983 80 3,632 0.2461%
1984 84 3,421 0.23%
1985 87 3,371 0.2221%
1986 92 3,101 0.2054%
1987 94 3,231 0.2117%
1988 93 3,472 0.2228%
1989 95 3,626 0.2247%
1990 96 3,946 0.2381%
1991 95 3,885 0.2383%
1992 98 3,816 0.2391%
1993 105 3,483 0.2234%
1994 99 3,743 0.2439%
1995 111 3,426 0.2273%
1996 122 3,017 0.2015%
1997 133 2,854 0.193%
1998 140 2,661 0.1778%
1999 140 2,699 0.1802%
2000 145 2,698 0.1766%
2001 156 2,556 0.1696%
2002 156 2,438 0.1627%
2003 157 2,539 0.1669%
2004 172 2,342 0.1537%
2005 184 2,203 0.1441%
2006 189 2,104 0.1344%
2007 199 2,006 0.1271%
2008 213 1,776 0.1149%
2009 233 1,522 0.1018%
2010 261 1,299 0.0901%
2011 280 1,228 0.0862%
2012 292 1,170 0.0821%
2013 310 1,070 0.0752%
2014 324 1,011 0.0694%
2015 338 976 0.0671%
2016 350 915 0.0635%
2017 367 854 0.0612%
2018 370 825 0.06%
2019 378 782 0.0578%
2020 417 657 0.0516%
2021 441 665 0.0544%
2022 434 679 0.0515%

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Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Erik

If you like Erik, you’ll love these other names like Erik.


What names sound like Erik?

If you like how Erik sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Erik.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Arik

Forever or alone, ruler; lion of God

Scandinavian

Erek

Forever or alone, ruler

Scandinavian

Erick

Everlasting ruler

Scandinavian

Eriq

Forever or alone, ruler

Scandinavian

Eryk

Forever or alone, ruler; peaceful ruler

Scandinavian


What names are similar to Erik?

Find a name that’s like Erik, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Brik

English

Edik

Wealthy guard

English

Edrik

Rich and powerful

English

Eri

Irish

Erie

A variant form of Earl.

American

Erin

Irish

Erix

Forever or alone, ruler

Scandinavian


Lists With Erik

Find inspiration in these baby boy name lists featuring the name Erik.


Siblings of Erik

Mamas with kids named Erik also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Ethan

Enduring and strong

Hebrew

2 Comments

  1. I chose the name Erik after my dad.

  2. Great, strong name!


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