Erik
BoyOld Norse
Erik is a boy name of Old Norse origin meaning "ever ruler or eternal ruler".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Old Norse
Religion
Christian
Popularity
17 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
4 letters
Meaning
ever ruler or eternal ruler
Etymology
Derived from Old Norse Eiríkr, composed of ei ‘ever, always’ and ríkr ‘ruler, king’. The name spread to other Germanic languages as Erik/Eric.
Famous People Named Erik
- Erik Satie — French composer and pianist (1866-1925)
- Erik Acharius — Swedish botanist (1757–1819)
- Erik Werenskiold — Norwegian artist (1855-1938)
- Erik Ullenhag — Swedish politician and diplomat
Frequently Asked Questions About Erik
What does the name Erik mean?
Erik means "ever ruler or eternal ruler", and is of Old Norse origin.
What is the origin of the name Erik?
Erik originates from Old Norse, commonly used in Northern Europe.
Is Erik a boy or girl name?
Erik is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Erik associated with?
Erik is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Erik?
Yes — notable people named Erik include Erik Satie (French composer and pianist, 1866-1925), Erik Acharius (Swedish botanist, 1757–1819), Erik Werenskiold (Norwegian artist, 1855-1938) and Erik Ullenhag (Swedish politician and diplomat).
Last updated: June 2026