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.
Ask your friends & family about Erik…

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 — 5 0.0004%
1922 — 0 0%
1923 — 7 0.0006%
1924 — 7 0.0006%
1925 — 0 0%
1926 — 6 0.0005%
1927 — 5 0.0005%
1928 — 0 0%
1929 — 0 0%
1930 — 0 0%
1931 — 6 0.0006%
1932 — 5 0.0005%
1933 — 10 0.0011%
1934 — 5 0.0005%
1935 — 6 0.0006%
1936 — 5 0.0005%
1937 — 6 0.0006%
1938 — 5 0.0005%
1939 — 20 0.002%
1940 — 17 0.0016%
1941 — 22 0.002%
1942 — 19 0.0015%
1943 — 45 0.0034%
1944 — 24 0.0019%
1945 — 46 0.0038%
1946 — 46 0.0031%
1947 — 77 0.0046%
1948 — 50 0.0031%
1949 — 117 0.0073%
1950 — 73 0.0045%
1951 — 113 0.0067%
1952 — 131 0.0075%
1953 — 155 0.0088%
1954 — 184 0.0101%
1955 — 188 0.0102%
1956 — 197 0.0104%
1957 — 269 0.014%
1958 — 279 0.0148%
1959 — 370 0.0195%
1960 — 420 0.0222%
1961 — 465 0.0246%
1962 — 474 0.0258%
1963 — 641 0.0357%
1964 — 1,116 0.0634%
1965 — 2,117 0.1295%
1966 — 1,934 0.1239%
1967 — 2,238 0.1475%
1968 — 2,356 0.1569%
1969 — 2,714 0.1762%
1970 — 3,245 0.2039%
1971 — 3,214 0.2139%
1972 — 3,396 0.2493%
1973 — 3,060 0.236%
1974 — 2,881 0.2217%
1975 — 2,859 0.2225%
1976 — 2,754 0.2137%
1977 — 2,786 0.2067%
1978 — 3,264 0.2428%
1979 — 4,638 0.3289%
1980 — 4,912 0.3359%
1981 — 3,922 0.2668%
1982 — 3,633 0.2431%
1983 — 3,632 0.2461%
1984 — 3,421 0.23%
1985 — 3,371 0.2221%
1986 — 3,101 0.2054%
1987 — 3,231 0.2117%
1988 — 3,472 0.2228%
1989 — 3,626 0.2247%
1990 — 3,946 0.2381%
1991 — 3,885 0.2383%
1992 — 3,816 0.2391%
1993 — 3,483 0.2234%
1994 — 3,743 0.2439%
1995 — 3,426 0.2273%
1996 — 3,017 0.2015%
1997 — 2,854 0.193%
1998 — 2,661 0.1778%
1999 — 2,699 0.1802%
2000 — 2,698 0.1766%
2001 — 2,556 0.1696%
2002 — 2,438 0.1627%
2003 — 2,539 0.1669%
2004 — 2,342 0.1537%
2005 — 2,203 0.1441%
2006 — 2,104 0.1344%
2007 — 2,006 0.1271%
2008 — 1,776 0.1149%
2009 — 1,522 0.1018%
2010 — 1,299 0.0901%
2011 — 1,228 0.0862%
2012 — 1,170 0.0821%
2013 — 1,070 0.0752%
2014 — 1,011 0.0694%
2015 — 976 0.0671%
2016 — 915 0.0635%
2017 — 854 0.0612%
2018 — 825 0.06%
2019 — 782 0.0578%
2020 — 657 0.0516%
2021 — 665 0.0544%
2022 — 679 0.0515%
2023 — 648 0.0501%

Alaska (AK)

Alabama (AL)

Arkansas (AR)

Arizona (AZ)

California (CA)

Colorado (CO)

Connecticut (CT)

District of Columbia (DC)

Delaware (DE)

Florida (FL)

Georgia (GA)

Hawaii (HI)

Iowa (IA)

Idaho (ID)

Illinois (IL)

Indiana (IN)

Kansas (KS)

Kentucky (KY)

Louisiana (LA)

Massachusetts (MA)

Maryland (MD)

Maine (ME)

Michigan (MI)

Minnesota (MN)

Missouri (MO)

Mississippi (MS)

Montana (MT)

North Carolina (NC)

North Dakota (ND)

Nebraska (NE)

New Hampshire (NH)

New Jersey (NJ)

New Mexico (NM)

Nevada (NV)

New York (NY)

Ohio (OH)

Oklahoma (OK)

Oregon (OR)

Pennsylvania (PA)

Rhode Island (RI)

South Carolina (SC)

South Dakota (SD)

Tennessee (TN)

Texas (TX)

Utah (UT)

Virginia (VA)

Vermont (VT)

Washington (WA)

Wisconsin (WI)

West Virginia (WV)

Wyoming (WY)

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!


Share your thoughts on the name Erik

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required *

*