Eric: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are cultural traditions in many regions, celebrating the saint or historical figure associated with a name on a specific annual date. For the name Eric, these celebrations occur notably on May 17th in Spain and May 18th in countries like the USA and France. Rooted in Old Norse, Eric carries the authoritative meaning of "eternal ruler," reflecting its strong historical standing. The name's mood is defined by its strong and classic tone, projecting stability and reliability. This blend of history, strong meaning, and cultural presence makes Eric a significant choice.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Eric's name day is celebrated
on May 17 in Spain and
May 18 in France and the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
Eric experienced significant popularity in the United States throughout the 20th century. It entered the top 100 US names around the 1940s and peaked in usage during the 1960s and 1970s. This surge in popularity reflected a broader trend toward names perceived as traditionally strong yet straightforward. Although its peak ranking has passed, Eric remains a well-recognized and consistently used name across America today. The name has maintained a steady presence, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in the US naming landscape.
Name origin and meaning
The name Eric is of Old Norse derivation, stemming from the elements *ei* and *rĂkr*. Historically, its linguistic roots firmly place it within the ancient Germanic and Scandinavian naming traditions. The components translate roughly to the powerful interpretation of "eternal ruler" or "sole ruler." This strong meaning suggests a heritage linked to leadership and nobility. The name embodies the concept of enduring power based on its ancient etymology.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Eric is overwhelmingly classified globally as a masculine given name. The traditional and historical usage of Eric is almost exclusively male across Europe and North America. It maintains this strong masculine identity in regions like the Scandinavian countries, where it originates, and also in English-speaking nations. There is virtually no recorded historical or common contemporary use of Eric as a female name. Therefore, Eric is firmly established as a traditional male identifier worldwide.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Eric evokes a strong, reliable, and classic mood. It carries a tone that is simultaneously solid and approachable, suggesting competence and straightforwardness. The vibe associated with Eric is often considered traditional and masculine, lending an air of quiet confidence. It avoids being overtly whimsical or soft, favoring a pragmatic and grounded personality tone. Eric generally projects an image of stability and enduring strength.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Eric
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 8 â The Powerhouse.
Keywords: Power, ambition, material success, authority, confidence.
Positive Traits: Strong-willed, business-minded, disciplined, ambitious, efficient.
Challenges: Can be materialistic, controlling, or work-obsessed.
Life Path Meaning: A path focused on achieving success, power, and financial security.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 11 - The Visionary.
Highly spiritual, intuitive, inspiring, and a natural guide for others.
Can struggle with anxiety, sensitivity, or self-doubt.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Saturn - Discipline, Responsibility, Structure.
Saturn represents discipline, structure, and perseverance. Names influenced by Saturn often belong to individuals who are serious, wise, and highly responsible. These names reflect resilience, patience, and a strong work ethic. People with Saturn-ruled names tend to be grounded and practical, often taking on leadership roles that require long-term planning and commitment.
Name days: Name Eric
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Spain | May | 17 | Eric, Erica, Pascual |
 France | May | 18 | Eric |
 USA | May | 18 | Aric, Eric, Erica, Erich, Erick, Ericka, Erik, Erika, Perry |
Name days: Similar names (Eric)
Here youâll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Italy | January | 28 | Angela Merici |
| Spain | March | 1 | Eudoxia, Eudoxio, Federico, Rosendo |
| USA | March | 13 | Rod, Rodd, Roderica, Roderick, Rodney, Rodrigo, Rory, Solomon |
 Greece | April | 10 | Dionisis, Eteoklis, Hercules, Homer, Pericles, Sofocles, Timothy |
 Austria | May | 18 | Erich, Erika, Felix, Johannes |
 Estonia | May | 18 | Eeri, Eerik, Eero, Ergi, Ergo, Erich, Erik, Erki, Erko |
| USA | May | 27 | Broderick, Brodie, Brody, Isador, Isadora, Isadore, Isidro |
| USA | July | 1 | Aaron, Aron, Arron, Derek, Derica, Derick, Derik, Derrick, Derris, Derry, Dirk, Inga, Ingrid, Theodoric |
| USA | July | 4 | America, Calvert, Calverta, Calvin, Calvina, Kalvin |
| France | July | 18 | Frédéric |
| Italy | July | 18 | Federico |
| Spain | July | 18 | Emiliano, Federico, Luz |
| USA | July | 18 | Fred, Freda, Freddie, Freddy, Frederica, Frederick, Frederico, Fredrick, Fredy |
| France | August | 29 | Médéric, Sabine |
 Croatia | October | 6 | Bruno, Fides, Verica, Vjera |
| France | November | 4 | Aymeric, Charles, Jessé |
| Austria | November | 5 | Bernhard, Berthild, Emmerich |
| Croatia | December | 20 | Perica, Petar Kanizije |
Eric A Timeless Name of Strength
Eric is a definitively masculine name with a powerful origin meaning "eternal ruler." Its historical usage in the USA reflects decades of consistent popularity, solidifying its status as a classic choice projecting strength and reliability. The name's mood is grounded, strong, and straightforward, fitting its traditional masculine gender identity globally. Culturally, Eric is recognized through various name day observances, such as the widely celebrated date of May 18th in North America and France. Overall, Eric remains a timeless choice embodying enduring classic strength.
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