Find out how popular the first name Eriq has been for the last 35 years (from 1988 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eriq by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Eriq is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Eriq.

The history of the first name Eriq

The given name Eriq is believed to have its origins in the ancient Germanic languages, where it was derived from the root word "rik," meaning "ruler" or "leader." This name was particularly prevalent among the Germanic tribes that inhabited various regions of Europe, such as the Franks, Saxons, and Goths, during the early medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Eriq can be found in the Codex Argenteus, a 6th-century manuscript containing a translation of the biblical book of Matthew into the Gothic language. In this text, the name appears as "Airik," which is believed to be a variant spelling of the same name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Eriq. One of the most famous was Eric the Red (c. 950 – c. 1003), a Norse explorer and outlaw who is credited with establishing the first European settlement in Greenland. Another prominent figure was Eric IX of Sweden (c. 1120 – 1160), a Swedish king who reigned during the 12th century and played a significant role in the Christianization of Sweden.

In the realm of literature, Eriq appears as the name of a character in the Old English epic poem "Beowulf," which dates back to around the 8th or 9th century. This Eriq is described as a skilled warrior and a member of the Geatish tribe.

During the Middle Ages, the name Eriq was also popular among the Scandinavian and Germanic nobility. One notable example is Eric VI of Denmark (1274 – 1319), a Danish king who ruled in the early 14th century and was instrumental in the consolidation of royal power in Denmark.

In more recent times, the name Eriq has been borne by several notable individuals, including Eric the Red (c. 1945 – ), a Welsh actor and singer best known for his roles in various British television series and films.

While the name Eriq has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries, such as Erik, Erick, and Erich, its roots can be traced back to the ancient Germanic languages and their reverence for leadership and strength.

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 Eriq was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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