Declining since 1985, #1,396 for girls today.
Popularity of Erica since 1909
Babies named Erica per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 21 |
| 1920s | 58 |
| 1930s | 83 |
| 1940s | 521 |
| 1950s | 1,537 |
| 1960s | 6,325 |
| 1970s | 49,595 |
| 1980s | 93,159 |
| 1990s | 55,762 |
| 2000s | 18,871 |
| 2010s | 4,585 |
| 2020s | 1,091 |
Meaning & origin
Erica has seen a notable trajectory since entering U.S. records in 1909. After climbing steadily, it reached its peak rank of 1396 in 1983, when it was given to 1 in 10,303 girls. Since 1985, its popularity has been steadily falling, though it held strong through the 1980s. Spelled forms like Erika are also common in German-speaking countries. The name remains most favored in Oregon, Washington, and Virginia. Its straightforward pronunciation and Scandinavian heritage give it a solid, recognizable feel.
Erica is the feminine form of Eric, which derives from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, composed of elements ei 'ever, always' and ríkr 'ruler, mighty'. Introduced to English-speaking countries in the 19th century, the name has been particularly popular in Scandinavia and Scotland, where the male form Eric was long established.
Where Erica is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Erica” around the world
Where Erica lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eri, Ricki, Rikki
Variants: Erika
Sibling names for Erica
Names that share Erica's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Julia, Audrey, Lydia, Naomi, Claire, Alisha, Carissa, Krista, Kristina, Arica, Audrea, Jerica, Jerrica, Jesseca, Kecia, Leisha, Terrica, Dereka, Dericka, Derika, Jericka, Jerrika, Shenell, Flecia, Krissi, Tamecia, Vennessa, Cherica, Danique, Deerica, Jermeka, Megean, Phyllicia, Roderica, Sharica
Brothers: Andrew, Nathan, Cole, Evan, Julian, Derik, Darick, Deric, Errick, Jerell, Stefon, Andrick, Demetrick, Erek, Kendrell, Erice, Erric, Tremel, Rodgerick, Rogerick
Names like Erica
Names whose popularity has moved with Erica's over the last 50 years.
