Erik

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Erik

Gender: Masculine
Language: English, Swedish, Danish
Etymology:
Erik is the modern Scandinavian form of Eirik. Originally it meant “Always the Ruler ” or “One King,” from “ei” (ever), or “einn” (one, alone) and “ríkr” (ruler).

History:
The Scandinavian Erik was originally brought to the United States by Scandinavian settlers at the end of the 19th century. Today, it is often used in the United States by parents seeking an alternate spelling of Eric. Erik was the most popular name for boys in 1973 Sweden.
Please see Eric for additional information.

Pronunciation: ERR-ick.

Feminine: Erika.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Erik Johan Stagnelius (1793-1823)
Swedish poet.
Erik Axel Karlfeldt (1864-1931)
Swedish poet.
Erik Satie (1866-1925)
French composer.
Erik Bryggman (1891-1955)
Finnish architect.
Erik Lindegren (1910-1968)
Swedish poet.

Educators, Scholar, and Social Workers:
Erik Gustaf Geijer (1783-1847)
Swedish philosopher.
Erik Robert Lindahl (1891-1960)
Swedish economist.

Miscellaneous:
Erik the Red (Eirik Raude) (10th century)
Discoverer of Iceland. Father to Leif Eriksson.

Royalty:
King Erik I of Norway (?-954)
Called Erik Bloodax. Also King of Northumberland.
King Erik V of Denmark (1249-1286)
Called Erik Glipping. Murdered
King Erik VI of Denmark (1274-1319)
Called Erik Menved.
King Erik VII of Denmark (1381-1459)
Also King Erik III of Norway, and King Erik XIII of Sweden.
King Erik XIV of Sweden (1544-1577)
Fought the Seven Years’ War.

Scientists:
Erik H. Erikson (1902-1994)
German-American psychologist.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.068 % named Erik

Popularity of Erik:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 968th most popular.
1910-1940: N/A
1940-1950: 783rd most popular.
1950-1960: 488th most popular.
1960-1970: 187th most popular.
1970-1980: 91st most popular.
1980-1990: 89th most popular.
1990: 97th most popular.
1991: 95th most popular.
1992: 99th most popular.
1993: 107th most popular.
1994: 101st most popular.
1995: 111th most popular.
1997: 133rd most popular.
1998: 141st most popular.
1999: 140th most popular.
2000: 146th most popular.
2001: 155th most popular.
2002: 160th most popular.
2003: 159th most popular.