Declining since 2016, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Ulric since 1912
Babies named Ulric per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2021, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ulric's real moment was 1914.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 45 |
| 1920s | 79 |
| 1930s | 23 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 15 |
| 1960s | 20 |
| 1970s | 65 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 37 |
| 2000s | 37 |
| 2010s | 95 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Ulric is a name with deep Germanic roots, combining elements meaning 'wolf' and 'ruler'. Despite its strong historical pedigree, it has never been a common choice in the United States. First recorded in Social Security data in 1912, its peak came early in 1914, and the name has been on a downward trajectory, especially since 2016. With a current 1-in-244,011 birth ratio, Ulric remains a rare alternative to more popular names like Ulrich or the classic Eric. Its scarcity gives it a distinctive, old-world charm that may appeal to parents seeking a name with historical weight and a strong, spirited meaning.
From the Old German elements 'uodal' (heritage) and 'rihhi' (ruler) or from Old English 'wulf' (wolf) and 'ric' (ruler), the name was common among medieval nobility in Germany and England. It was introduced to England by the Normans and remained in sporadic use through the 20th century.
“Ulric” around the world
Where Ulric lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ullie, Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Ulric
Names that share Ulric's style, for a brother or sister.
