Eric is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #142 in 2016 with 2,928 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 11,610 births ranking #35. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 74.8%. In 2016, approximately 1 in every 648 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.