Erich

What does the baby name Erich mean? Learn about what Erich means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Erich - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Erich: E-R-I-C-H, is a 5-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Erich: AYR ik
Meaning of Erich: Eternal ruler, ever-ruler, powerful ruler of all.
Origin of Erich: The name 'Erich' has Germanic origins and is derived from the Old High German name 'Eirik'. It is a variant of the name Eric, which means 'ruler' or 'ever-powerful'. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to medieval Germany, where it was commonly used among the nobility and ruling classes.; German Names; Germanic Names; Scandinavian Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Erich: Ehric; Eirik; Erek; Eric; Erico; Erik; Errick; Federico; Federigo; Fred; Freddie; Fredek; Frederick; Frederico; Frederigo; Fridrich; Friedel; Friedrich; Fritz; Fritzchen; Fritzl; Rick; Ricky; Rikky
Popularity of Erich: Over the centuries, the name 'Erich' has experienced varying levels of popularity. In the early medieval period, it was a common name among Germanic tribes and remained popular throughout the Middle Ages. However, its usage declined during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment as other names gained prominence.

In the 20th century, the popularity of the name 'Erich' saw a notable spike. This can be attributed to the influence of the German playwright 'Erich' Maria Remarque, known for his acclaimed novel 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. The book, published in 1929, became an international bestseller and catapulted the name 'Erich' into the spotlight.; Erich currently has 1 like, and is in the top 15% of liked boy's names. The name Dakarai is slightly more popular than Erich.

Etymology of Erich

The etymology of the name 'Erich' can be traced back to the Old Norse name 'Eiríkr', which is composed of the elements 'ei' meaning 'ever' or 'always', and 'ríkr' meaning 'ruler' or 'king'. This combination of elements gives the name its powerful and authoritative meaning.

Cultural Significance of Erich

The name 'Erich' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Germanic mythology, it is associated with the god Thor, who is often depicted as a powerful and mighty ruler. The name 'Erich', with its meaning of 'ruler' or 'ever-powerful', reflects this association and embodies the qualities of strength and leadership.

In addition, the name 'Erich' has been associated with German history and culture. Notable figures with the name 'Erich' include 'Erich' Ludendorff, a German general during World War I, and 'Erich' Honecker, the leader of East Germany from 1971 to 1989. These individuals played significant roles in shaping German history and their association with the name 'Erich' adds to its cultural significance.