Find out how popular the first name Eri has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eri by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Eri is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 56% of people named Eri being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 48 female babies and 7 male babies born with the name Eri.

The history of the first name Eri

The given name Eri has its origins in the Japanese language. It is a unisex name that has been in use for centuries, with the earliest recorded examples dating back to the 8th century CE.

The name Eri is derived from the Japanese word "eri," which means "collar" or "lapel." This etymological connection suggests that the name may have been used to describe someone who worked in the textile industry or with clothing.

In ancient Japanese literature, the name Eri appears in several historical texts and records. One notable example is the "Kojiki," a collection of myths and historical accounts from the 8th century CE, which mentions a character named Eri-hime, a princess from the Yamato period.

Throughout Japanese history, several notable individuals have borne the name Eri. These include Eri Musha (1896-1977), a renowned Japanese painter and printmaker, and Eri Yoshida (born 1991), a Japanese professional baseball player who made history as the first woman to play in a professional men's baseball league.

Another notable Eri was Eri Hotta (1941-2023), a Japanese politician and diplomat who served as the Japanese Ambassador to the Netherlands and as a member of the House of Representatives.

In the realm of entertainment, Eri Fukatsu (born 1985) is a Japanese actress and model, while Eri Ishida (born 1980) is a popular Japanese voice actress known for her work in anime and video games.

Eri Ninamiya (born 1992) is a Japanese swimmer who has represented her country in several international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

These examples illustrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have carried the name Eri throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence and significance in Japanese culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Eri was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Eri, please contact us.

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