Erika

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

Erika - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Erika: E-R-I-K-A, is a 5-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Erika: EH-ri-kah; ERR ee kah
Meaning of Erika: Eternal ruler, always ruler, ruling forever, all-powerful ruler.
Origin of Erika: The name 'Erika' is a feminine name that has roots in multiple languages, including German, Swedish, and Hungarian. It is a variation of the name Erica, which itself is derived from the name Eric. The earliest known use of the name 'Erika' can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly in German-speaking countries.; Czech Names; German Names; Germanic Names; Hungarian Names; Old Norse Names; Scandinavian Names; Slovenian Names; Swiss Names
Popularity of Erika: Over the years, the popularity of the name 'Erika' has seen some fluctuations. In the early 20th century, it gained moderate popularity in Germany and other European countries. However, it wasn 't until the mid-20th century that the name experienced a notable spike in usage. This can be attributed to the influence of the popular novel and film 'Gone with the Wind', which featured a character named 'Erika'. The name 'Erika' became particularly popular in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.; Erika currently has 458 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked girl's names. The name Brenda is slightly more popular than Erika.

Etymology of Erika

The name 'Erika' has its linguistic roots in the Old Norse name Eiríkr, which means 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful'. It is a combination of the words 'ei', meaning 'ever' or 'always', and 'ríkr', meaning 'ruler' or 'powerful'. The name 'Erika' is a feminine form of Eric, which has a strong and powerful connotation.

Cultural Significance of Erika

In German-speaking countries, the name 'Erika' holds cultural significance due to its association with the German song 'Erika'. This song, written by Herms Niel in 1938, became a popular marching song for the German military during World War II. It was often sung by soldiers as a morale booster and became a symbol of German patriotism. Today, the song is still recognized in Germany, and the name 'Erika' can evoke a sense of national pride.