Find out how popular the first name Erling has been for the last 8 years (from 2016 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Erling by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Erling is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 54 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Erling.

The history of the first name Erling

The name Erling has its origins in Old Norse, the language spoken by the Scandinavian people during the Viking Age and medieval period. It is derived from the Old Norse elements "arn," meaning eagle, and "linn," meaning serpent or dragon. Thus, the name Erling can be interpreted to mean "eagle-serpent" or "eagle-dragon."

In Norse mythology, the eagle and the serpent or dragon were powerful symbols, often associated with strength, courage, and wisdom. This suggests that the name Erling may have been bestowed upon individuals who were considered brave, fierce warriors or leaders.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Erling can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of stories and legends that provide insights into the lives and traditions of the Norse people. The Sagas mention several individuals named Erling, including Erling Skjalgsson, a powerful chieftain and viking who lived in the late 10th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Erling. One of the most famous was Erling Vidkunsson (c. 1115-1179), a Norwegian nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in the civil wars that plagued Norway during the 12th century. He was known as Erling Skakke (Erling the Twisted) due to his cunning and resourcefulness.

Another prominent Erling was Erling Eriksson (c. 1290-1355), a Norwegian nobleman and military leader who served as the Earl of Orkney and Shetland from 1326 to 1355. He was involved in numerous conflicts with the Scottish and English crowns over control of the Northern Isles.

In more recent times, Erling Kagge (born 1963) is a Norwegian explorer, author, and publisher who became the first person to reach the North Pole unsupported after a solo expedition in 1993.

Erling Haaland (born 2000) is a Norwegian professional soccer player who currently plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Norwegian national team. He is considered one of the most promising young talents in world football.

Despite its Norse origins, the name Erling has been used across Scandinavia and other parts of the world, though it remains most popular in Norway and other Nordic countries.

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

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

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