US Popularity Rank: 440

Origin: Norse

Meaning: sole ruler; eternal ruler

Both royal and rugged, Eric is a masculine name of Norse origin soaked in Viking lore and badassery. From the Old Norse components ei, meaning "ever" or "alone," and ríkr, meaning "rule," Eric stands as the "sole ruler" or, better yet, the "eternal ruler." And while Eric leaves little to the imagination when it comes to its commanding power, its long lineage of kings leaves exactly none. Close kin to Erik the Red—the legendary Viking founder of Greenland—Eric is a potent appellation to ignite your little one's zeal for greatness.