Tags: Given Name, Name.
The given name Eric or Erik is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr (or Eríkr in Eastern Scandinavia due to monophthongization). The first element ei- is derived either from the older Proto-Norse *aina(z) meaning one or alone or from Proto-Norse *aiwa(z) meaning ever or eternal. The second element -ríkr derives either from *rík(a)z meaning ruler or prince (cf. Gothic reiks) or from an even older Proto-Germanic *ríkiaz which meant powerful and rich.
