Declining since 1991, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Aric since 1946
Babies named Aric per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 27 |
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 376 |
| 1970s | 1,965 |
| 1980s | 1,389 |
| 1990s | 1,835 |
| 2000s | 1,158 |
| 2010s | 613 |
| 2020s | 184 |
Meaning & origin
Aric is a streamlined variant of the classic Eric, which has deep Germanic roots meaning 'eternal ruler'. First recorded in U.S. data in 1946, Aric peaked in popularity in 1977, when it was most favored. Since 1991, its usage has been gradually declining; in 2025 it ranked 4,249th, with about 1 in 71,170 boys receiving the name. The variant Aric offers a slightly modernized spelling while retaining the strong, timeless sound of Eric. Although it has never broken into the top ranks, it remains a consistent choice for parents seeking a name with historical weight and a clean, contemporary feel.
Aric is a variant of Eric, derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, composed of ei 'ever, always' and ríkr 'ruler'. The name was brought to England by Scandinavian settlers and became common in medieval times. Aric represents a modern spelling simplification.
Where Aric is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ari, Rick
Sibling names for Aric
Names that share Aric's style, for a brother or sister.
