A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Erek since 1967
Babies named Erek per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Erek's real moment was 1980.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 13 |
| 1970s | 134 |
| 1980s | 189 |
| 1990s | 147 |
| 2000s | 144 |
| 2010s | 38 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Erek is a rare modern respelling of Eric, a name with deep Scandinavian roots meaning 'eternal ruler.' First recorded in the United States in 1967, Erek reached its peak popularity in 1980, though it never cracked the top 1,000 names nationally. In recent years, data from the Social Security Administration shows a rising trajectory since 2022, but it remains an uncommon choice. The name is overwhelmingly given to boys, and its spelling variant gives it a distinctive edge while maintaining the familiar sound of Eric. Because Erek has never been widespread, it does not have strong associations with any particular U.S. state. Parents choosing Erek today are opting for a name that is both modern and connected to a classic tradition.
Erek is most likely a phonetic variant spelling of Eric, from Old Norse Eiríkr, composed of ei 'ever, always' and ríkr 'ruler.' This form emerged primarily in the United States in the mid-20th century as a respelling of the more common Eric. The name Eric has been borne by numerous kings and saints throughout Scandinavia and Europe, lending it a regal and enduring quality.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Erek
Names that share Erek's style, for a brother or sister.
