Girl · 37th of 27,321
Erica
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
232,485
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1986
Peak Popularity Year
10,031
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Erica stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Erica originates from Latin and is linked to the heather plant. It has evolved from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, meaning 'eternal ruler'. The name signifies strength and beauty, with no biblical relevance. It became popular in the English-speaking world in the 19th century and retains a modern appeal.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛrɪkə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Erica is derived from the Latin word 'erica', which refers to the heather plant. It is also associated with the Old Norse name 'Eiríkr', meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever-ruler'.
Meaning
Heather, ruler
Language Evolution
Eiríkr (Old Norse), Erica (Latin), Erika (Modern Scandinavian), Erika (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Erica gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, especially in Scandinavia and among those influenced by Scandinavian culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Erika, Eryka, Rica
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Erica is perceived as a classic yet modern name, often associated with strength and femininity.
Famous People
Erica Jong, American author, Erica Campbell, American singer, Erica Durance, Canadian actress
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,031 peak births in 1986
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Delaware
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 17 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2097th of 10718 | 319 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1783rd of 16616 | 660 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 13195th of 24088 | 45 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4839th of 9107 | 57 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2113th of 9204 | 293 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 667th of 12526 | 3,917 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 89th of 19264 | 62,641 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 37th of 27321 | 129,386 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 173rd of 35406 | 31,629 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 918th of 30306 | 3,538 |