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Origin, Meaning, And History Of Erika

The feminine name Erika derives from the masculine term Eric. It has Scandinavian roots and implies ‘honorable king.’ This feminine form of Eric has Old Norse terms that allow us to understand the meaning. These include ‘ei,’ which means ever, and ‘rikr,’ which means ruler. Thus, Erika’s meaning turns out to be ‘eternal ruler.’ According to some scholars, the term ‘ei’ is from the older Proto-Norse term aina(z), which implies ‘one and ‘unique.’ Therefore, the word as a whole may mean a single ruler or a monarch.

Some other origin theories point out that Erika developed from the Germanic term ‘ehrei’, which means ‘honor.’ This name is a major variant of the Scandinavian name Erica. You will be surprised to know that apart from a given name, Erica is also a plant name. Winter Heather, also called Erica, is a gorgeous plant that blooms throughout fall and winter.

The masculine name Eric from which Erica emerged, was introduced to England in the 8th to 12th centuries by Vikings. However, the feminine version of this name started entering popular vocabulary only in the 18th century. Among the Nordic and Slavik people, the name is spelled with ‘k’ instead of ‘c.’ This spelling is more in use among Eastern Europeans rather than Germans.

In German-speaking nations, the term Erika acquired immense importance due to a patriotic song called Erika.’ This German military song was composed in 1938 by Herms Niel, and it soon entered the common language of the army. Moreover, the song became widely popular during World War II.

We can see various mentions of Erika in literature and entertainment. For example, Erika is the lady love of Tosho Daimos in the anime seriesDaimos. You might also recognize Erika, the Celadon Gym Leader inPokemon. The popularThe Princess and Pauperalso features a character by this name.

Erika

Meaning a feminized form of the name Eric meaning someone who rules the world.

Gender Girl

Religion Christianity

Origin Old Norse

Names starting with E..Ee..Eer..Era..Eri..Ear..Eir..Eoh..Ere..

How To Pronounce Erika?

Erika On The Popularity Chart

这些图表的SSA显示that Erika was quite a common name in the early 1990s. Its popularity seems to have fallen after that.

Popularity Over Time

From 1992 till the present, Erika’s usage shows a downward trend. In 2021, only 222 babies per million got this name.

Rank Over Time

Consistent with its popularity, the name’s rank increased in the late 1990s. At present, it stands at the 1,107th spot.

Names With Similar Sound As Erika

Erika has a simplistic pronunciation. You will also like the following similar-sounding options if you havent decided on a name yet.

Earcongota Earric Ercongota Erica Ericka Erikka Erkengota Eroica Errika Eryka

Popular Sibling Names For Erika

Boy Sibling Names For Erika

Earcanwald Earcna Earconbehrt Earconbert Eirikur Eohric Eorcna Eorconbeald Eorconbehrt Eorcongota

Girl Sibling Names For Erika

Earcongota Earric Ercongota Erica Ericka Erikka Erkengota Eroica Errika Eryka

Other Popular Names Beginning With E

Eabae Eabha Eada Eadaion Eadburg Eadburga Eadburh Eadda Eadgifu Eadgyfu

Names With Same Meaning As Erika

Perhaps you like the name’s meaning more. In this case, check out these options that mean the same.

Earric Erica Ericha Ericka Erikka Eris Erisa Erisha Erissa Eroica

Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology

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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages

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Name Numerology For Erika

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name Erika?

The name Erika means ‘eternal ruler.’

2. What is the origin of the name Erika?

Erika has Scandinavian origin.

3. How to pronounce the name Erika?

Erika is pronounced as eh-rih-kuh.

4. What are some nicknames for Erika?

Rika,Eri,Erik, andRikcould be some nicknames for Erika. However, parents could also choose other nicknames based on their preferences.

5. What are some middle names that go well with Erika?

Erika means ‘ruler.’ Hence, names related to the meaning could be good middle name choices.Harriet, meaning ‘home ruler,’ and Rodina, meaning ‘famous ruler,’ could be great options. Moreover, you may also use the names of queens likeElizabethandVictoriaas middle names for Erika.

6. Are there any famous fictional characters named Erika?

Erika Ford, played by Brooke Shields, is a character from the second season of the popular American sitcom Friends. Erika Sendo is a character from the manga and anime series Fortune Arterial.

7. Is Erika a name commonly used in a specific region or country?

Erika was quite a common name in the US until some years ago. It consistently ranked among the top 1000 names until 2019, after which its popularity declined. In 2019, it ranked at the 901st position (1).

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in oureditorial policy.

1. Popularity of name Erika.
   https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

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Praggya JoshiMA, BEd

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel. At MomJunction, she writes on child education and developmental activities. She likes to...more