Eric is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #132 in 2021 with 437 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2018 with 470 births ranking #124. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 345.9%. In 2021, approximately 1 in every 675 boys born was named Eric. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Eric is a Scandinavian classic meaning "ever ruler" or "eternal ruler". It is simple, durable, and familiar across a wide range of countries.
The name spread through Norse and later European history and became especially common in English during the twentieth century. Its strength lies in being classic without feeling heavy.