Eric is a highly popular boys' name in United States, ranking #39 in 1998 with 9,964 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 11,610 births ranking #35. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 14.2%. In 1998, approximately 1 in every 192 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.