Erik: meaning and origin
Erik
“Eternal ruler”
- Gender
- 👦 Boy
- Origin
- 🛶 Scandinavian
- Letters · syllables
- 4 · 2
- Starts with
- E
About the name Erik
Erik is a boy’s name from the Scandinavian tradition. Its meaning is “eternal ruler”. Names from Old Norse and the Scandinavian languages — like Erik, Freya, Astrid and Leif.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: royal names: king, queen and noble.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Scandinavian names
- Anders 👦Manly, strong; a form of Andrew · Scandinavian
- Axel 👦Father of peace; a Scandinavian form of Absalom · Scandinavian
- Bjorn 👦Bear · Scandinavian
- Leif 👦Heir, descendant; Leif Erikson the explorer · Scandinavian
- Skyler 🧒Scholar; also linked to “sky” · Scandinavian
- Soren 👦Stern, severe; a form of Severin · Scandinavian
Sibling name ideas (Scandinavian, girls)
- Astrid 👧Divinely beautiful · Scandinavian
- Dahlia 👧The dahlia flower, named for the botanist Anders Dahl · Scandinavian
- Freya 👧Lady; the Norse goddess of love · Scandinavian
- Ingrid 👧Beautiful, beloved · Scandinavian
- Linnea 👧The twinflower, Sweden’s national flower · Scandinavian
- Saga 👧Seeing one; a Norse goddess · Scandinavian
More boy names starting with E
- Easton 👦East-facing place · English
- Edward 👦Wealthy guardian · English
- Eitan 👦Strong, steady · Hebrew
- Eli 👦Ascended, uplifted · Hebrew
- Elias 👦My God is the Lord; the Greek form of Elijah · Greek
- Elijah 👦My God is the Lord · Hebrew
- Emiliano 👦Eager, rival · Spanish
- Emmett 👦Whole, universal · German
- Enzo 👦Ruler of the home; an Italian form of Henry · Italian
- Ethan 👦Strong, firm · Hebrew
Questions and answers
What does the name Erik mean?
Erik is a name of Scandinavian origin. It means: eternal ruler.
Is Erik a boy or girl name?
Erik is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Erik have?
Erik has 4 letters and about 2 syllables.