Also Erik and Erick.
Of Old Norse origin.
From the name Eiríkr, from the combination of the elements “ei”, meaning ever, eternal and “ríkr”, meaning ruler, prince.
Thus, the meaning of Eric is “eternal ruler”.
It was the name of old Norwegian, Swedish and Danish kings.
The name was introduced in England by Danish settlers.
It’s popularity rose in the 19th century, due to the novel “Eric, or Little by Little” written by cleric, schoolteacher and author Frederic William Farrar.
One of the first notable bearers of the name was explorer Erik Thorvaldsson, also known as Erik the Red, or Eiríkr inn Rauda. Accordin to Icelandic tradition, he founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland.
Feminine forms of the name are: Erica, Erika, Erykah, Ericka.
Other forms of the name are: Erkki, Éric, Ericas, Èric, Eryk, Eiríkur.
Famous bearers are Eric Clapton, Eric Bana, Eric Burton, Éric Rohmer, Eric Roberts, Eric Dane, Eric Christian Olsen, Eric Bledsoe, Eric Schweig, Eric Braeden, , Eric Balfour, Eric Stoltz, Eric Szmanda, Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz).
Eric is a popular name in Catalonia.
English songwriter and guitarist Eric Clapton is ranked second in the Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
He is the only artist who ever entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. As a solo artist and as member of two great bands: “The Yardbirds” and “Cream”.
You may watch Eric Clapton perform “Layla” live with fellow artists such as Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.