"elf ruler"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Elric
Does Elric flow with your last name?
A noble Old English name with legendary edge
English
Germanic
Fantasy
Vintage
Strong
Literary
Bold
Unique
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Elric
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Meaning & Origin
"all-powerful"
Origin: Germanic
Language: German
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the albino antihero Elric of Melnibone by Michael Moorcock
The Story of Elric
Elric is derived from the Old English elements ael meaning elf or noble and ric meaning power or ruler. It is the medieval English form of the ancient Germanic name Alric, cousin to names like Alaric and Frederick. While rare in daily life today, it carries the unmistakable weight of old-world aristocracy and myth.
Elric never charted widely as a given name, but gained cult recognition through Michael Moorcock's fantasy novels (beginning 1961) featuring Elric of Melnibone, an albino emperor wielding the soul-drinking sword Stormbringer. This association keeps the name alive in fantasy and gaming communities.
In Anglo-Saxon England, names combining elf and ruler were common among nobility, reflecting beliefs in elven wisdom and power. Elric is the direct descendant of that tradition.
Historical Record
Elric first appeared in US Social Security records in 1971.
Over 552 babies have been named Elric in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Elric is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,824 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The root element meaning elf-ruler appears in dozens of medieval English noble names
- Elric appears in the Domesday Book as a Saxon name
Elric in Other Languages
Latin
Alricus
Welsh
Alric
French
Elric
German
Elrich
Spanish
Elric
Popularity Over Time
#4,824
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Elric
E
Elric of Melnibone Fictional
Other
The albino emperor and antihero created by Michael Moorcock, one of fantasy literature's most influential characters
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Compare Elric with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,824
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- English Germanic Fantasy
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
El
Rick
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Elric
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Irish origin
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Latin astronomical tradition origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Elric
What does the name Elric mean?
"elf ruler" (from Old English). "all-powerful" (from Germanic). Elric is derived from the Old English elements ael meaning elf or noble and ric meaning power or ruler. It is the medieval English form of the ancient Germanic name Alric, cousin to names like Alaric and Frederick. While rare in daily life today, it carries the unmistakable weight of old-world aristocracy and myth.
What is the origin of the name Elric?
Elric has Old English, Germanic, English, and Fantasy origins. In Old English, it means "elf ruler". In Germanic, it means "all-powerful".
Is Elric a boy or girl name?
Elric is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Elric?
Elric is currently ranked #4824 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Elric?
Common nicknames for Elric include Rick.
What are good middle names for Elric?
Popular middle name pairings include Elric James, Elric Cole, Elric Gray, Elric John, Elric Wade, Elric Fox, and Elric Lane.
What are good sibling names for Elric?
Names that pair well with Elric as siblings include Alaric, Rowan, Sable, Isolde, Caspian, Lyra, and Aldric.
How many syllables does Elric have?
Elric has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Elric a common or rare name?
Elric is an uncommon name, ranked #4824 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Elric
Elric is a boy name with English, Germanic, and Fantasy origins . The name means "elf ruler" in Old English .
Elric is currently ranked #4,824 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Elric has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Elric include El and Rick. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis