"eternal ruler"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: English
Aric
Pronunciation: [ AR-ihk ]
A modern spin on the timeless Viking king name
American
Scandinavian
English
Strong
Classic
Bold
Sophisticated
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"ever-powerful king"
Origin: Old Norse Eiríkr
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
The Story of Aric
Aric is an alternative spelling of Eric, from the Old Norse 'Eiríkr' — a combination of 'ei' (ever, always) and 'ríkr' (ruler, king). The name was spread across Northern Europe by Viking settlers and became enormously popular in Scandinavia, England, and eventually the entire Western world. The 'Aric' spelling gives the ancient name a modern, distinctive edge.
Eric has been a perennial top-50 name in the US for most of the 20th century. Aric, as an alternative spelling, appeals to parents who love the strong sound but want something slightly less common on school rosters.
The name has ancient Viking prestige: Eric the Red explored Greenland; his son Leif Ericson reached North America five centuries before Columbus. Multiple Swedish and Norwegian kings bore the name. It remains one of the most recognizable names of Scandinavian origin in the world.
Fun Facts
- Eric the Red was the Norse explorer who colonized Greenland around 985 AD
- His son Leif Erikson reached North America in 1000 AD
- Multiple Swedish and Norwegian kings were named Eric or Erik
Aric in Other Languages
Danish
Erik
German
Erich
Spanish
Érico
Swedish
Erik
Norwegian
Eirik
Old Norse
Eiríkr
Popularity Over Time
#4,456
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1977
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Aric
E
Eric Clapton
Musician
1945
British rock and blues guitarist, songwriter, and singer widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time
E
Eric the Red
Explorer
Norse explorer born around 950 AD who founded the first European settlement in Greenland
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,456
- Total SSA Count
- 23
- Cultural Origins
- American Scandinavian English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Rick
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Aric is also used as a girl name, ranked #59741.
View Aric as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Aric →Compare Aric with...
Same Origin Names (American)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aric
What does the name Aric mean?
"eternal ruler" (from Old Norse). "ever-powerful king" (from Old Norse Eiríkr). Aric is an alternative spelling of Eric, from the Old Norse 'Eiríkr' — a combination of 'ei' (ever, always) and 'ríkr' (ruler, king). The name was spread across Northern Europe by Viking settlers and became enormously popular in Scandinavia, England, and eventually the entire Western world. The 'Aric' spelling gives the ancient name a modern, distinctive edge.
What is the origin of the name Aric?
Aric has Old Norse, Old Norse Eiríkr, American, Scandinavian, and English origins. In Old Norse, it means "eternal ruler". In Old Norse Eiríkr, it means "ever-powerful king".
Is Aric a boy or girl name?
Aric is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4456. As a girl name, it is ranked #59741. Aric is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Aric?
Aric is pronounced AR-ihk.
How popular is the name Aric?
Aric is currently ranked #4456 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Aric?
Common nicknames for Aric include Rick.
What are good middle names for Aric?
Popular middle name pairings include Aric James, Aric Thomas, Aric Cole, Aric Blake, Aric Grant, and Aric Lane.
What are good sibling names for Aric?
Names that pair well with Aric as siblings include Leif, Sven, Astrid, Nora, Blake, and Cole.
How many syllables does Aric have?
Aric has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Aric a common or rare name?
Aric is an uncommon name, ranked #4456 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Aric
Aric is a boy name with American, Scandinavian, and English origins . The name means "eternal ruler" in Old Norse .
Is Aric a boy or girl name? Aric is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,456 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #59,741. Aric is more commonly used as a boy name.
Aric is currently ranked #4,456 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Aric has 2 syllables and is pronounced AR-ihk, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Aric include Rick. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Aric include Ari, Ariel, Aries, Arian, Aris . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.