Eric

Meaning of Eric

It means 'eternal ruler' or 'sole ruler.' It implies someone who is powerful and always in charge.

Eric has Old Norse roots — browse every Old Norse baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Eric

Eric has cooled off, slipping to #273 in 2025, down from a peak of #42 in 2000.

Notable people named Eric

• Eric Clapton
  Legendary British guitarist, singer-songwriter
• Eric Stonestreet
  Actor, 'Modern Family' star
• Eric Schmidt
  Former Google CEO, tech executive
• Eric Bana
  Australian actor, 'Hulk' star
• Eric Dickerson
  NFL Hall of Fame running back

More Old Norse names

Questions about the name Eric

What does the name Eric mean?

Eric means it means 'eternal ruler' or 'sole ruler.' it implies someone who is powerful and always in charge, and it comes from Old Norse origins.

Is Eric a boy's or a girl's name?

Eric is most commonly used as a boy's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Eric?

In 2025, Eric ranked #273 for boys, down from #252 the year before.

When was Eric most popular?

Eric peaked at #42 in 2000.