Declining since 1985, #273 for boys today.
Popularity of Eric since 1880
Babies named Eric per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1970, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Eric's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 122 |
| 1890s | 204 |
| 1900s | 262 |
| 1910s | 1,311 |
| 1920s | 2,027 |
| 1930s | 2,796 |
| 1940s | 15,190 |
| 1950s | 53,295 |
| 1960s | 152,222 |
| 1970s | 211,481 |
| 1980s | 204,230 |
| 1990s | 135,244 |
| 2000s | 69,480 |
| 2010s | 31,550 |
| 2020s | 9,477 |
Meaning & origin
Eric has been a steady presence in the United States since the earliest SSA records in 1880. Its popularity climbed throughout the mid-20th century, peaking at number 273 in 1976, a year when it was a top choice for boys nationwide. Since then, the name has experienced a slow decline, with its current rank at 273 in 2025, given to roughly 1 in 1360 baby boys. The name's trajectory has been dropping since 1985, reflecting a move away from its mid-century mainstream appeal. Geographically, Eric remains most popular in DC, MS, and LA. Despite its falling usage, Eric maintains a classic, cross-cultural charm, rooted deeply in Scandinavian heritage and widely embraced across English-speaking countries.
Eric is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, formed from the elements ei 'ever, always' and ríkr 'ruler'. It was introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers and became common among Anglo-Scandinavian families. The name was later reinforced by Norman usage and has been borne by many kings in Scandinavian history, including Eric the Red and Eric IX of Sweden.
Where Eric 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.
“Eric” around the world
Where Eric lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
55
babies in 2024
Ireland
22
babies in 2025
New Zealand
19
babies in 2025
Quebec
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Eric
Names that share Eric's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kirsten, Ingrid, Sonja, Annika, Greta, Amie, Erika, Julie, Krista, Kristin, Lauren, Melanie, Carin, Ericka, Kirstin, Marcy, Tera, Delisa, Kristel, Melissia, Merissa, Cinderella, Ericia, Jericka, Jerrika, Kersten, Laury, Lysa, Meshell, Stacye, Trisa, Benay, Breanda, Errica, Hilari, Taressa, Kare, Krisi, Roderica, Sharisa, Tamrah
Brothers: Karl, Lars, Nils, Magnus, Anders, Adam, Alan, Bryan, Darren, Derek, Dwight, Jeremy, Kenneth, Troy, Allan, Deron, Dion, Deric, Derreck, Errick, Jermey, Jerrick, Kennth, Rolf, Ival, Jeric, Erice, Krist, Meric, Adrick, Alarick, Beric, Daric, Zeric
Names like Eric
Names whose popularity has moved with Eric's over the last 50 years.
