National Eric Day is celebrated every November 26 as a day to memorialize the bearers of a name whose meaning carries significant weight, not only because it indicates nobility, but also because it purports that the nobility is permanent. Eric, alongside its language and culturally-based variations that include Erik, Eryk, Eirikur, Erich, Erikson, Erikas, and Erkki, is an Old Norse name that derives its weighty meaning from the elemental words “ei” and “rikr” meaning “ever” and “ruler” respectively. It is one of the historically popular names in Scandinavia and we are sure it deserves to be.
History of National Eric Day
The celebration of National Eric Day is going to be taking place for the first time in 2022. However, even though it is just to be celebrated, the name deserves to have long been cheered for its meaning and the caliber of people that have borne it through the course of history.‘Eric’ is derived from the old Norse word ‘Eirikr’ which can mean ‘sole ruler,’ ‘forever ruler,’ or ‘eternal ruler.’ It was one of the most common boy’s names in ancient Germania. Additionally, many kings across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have borne the name. The name is also used as a short form for ‘Frederick.’ It has been historically popular in the Scandinavian regions of Europe. Nevertheless, it experienced a significant appreciation in America and the rest of Europe in the 19th century. This sudden rise in popularity was mainly attributed to the publication of the children’s novel, ‘Eric, or Little by Little’ by Frederick Farrar in 1858. In America, it enjoyed the most popularity between the 1960s and 1980s, when it stayed in the Top 25 most popular boy’s names. However, it dropped out of the Top 100 by 2011. The name is believed to have been introduced into England by Danish settlers between 410 and 1066 A.D. In France, it was in the Top Ten names from 1960 to 1974 but has been steadily declining in popularity over the years. Its popularity has also been fluctuating among the Top 10 most popular names in Spain between 2003 and 2019.Among the notable Erics are Eric Clapton of Britain; Eric Lindros of Canada; Prime Minister Norman Eric Kirk of New Zealand; Nobel winner Eric Betzig; former French footballer, Eric Cantona, and Eric Bans, an Australian comedy actor who won the Logie Awards’ Most Popular Comedy Personality in 1997, among many others.
National Eric Day timeline
Danish settlers bring the name 'Eric' to England during the Anglo-Saxon period.
New Zealand politician, Eric Kirk, becomes the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
British rock musician, Clapton, wins three Grammys.
Canadian ice hockey player, Lindros, wins the Most Valuable Player award.
American chemist, Eric Betzig, wins the Nobel Prize for chemistry.
National Eric Day FAQs
Is Eric a Hispanic name?
The name ‘Eric’ is a name that originates from the Norse language. However, some claim it has other origins which makes the ‘Hispanic’ claim a possibility.
Is 'Eric' or 'Erik' more popular?
‘Erik’ is an alternative spelling, or more properly, a variation of ‘Eric’ and is not as popular as the original name. However, it is the most widely accepted variant.
Is 'Rick' a nickname for 'Eric?'
‘Rick’ alongside Ricky and Rico are nicknames for ‘Eric.’
National Eric Day Activities
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Take it online
Celebrate the day by posting trivia facts about the famous people that have identified with the name. List their achievements and important life events. Let the world know who they are.
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Name your child
If you are an expecting mother and take a liking to the name 'Eric,' then today is the best day to truly express your fondness for the name. Resolve to give it to your child.
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Read the history of an Eric
Another way to celebrate the day is to select one of the prominent Erics you have heard of and read their entire life history the day. You may just find out something you didn’t know before.
5 Facts About The Name 'Eric' And Its Bearers
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Has name days
May 18 is considered the name day for 'Eric' in France and the Scandinavian nations of Sweden, Norway, and Finland, honoring the death of St. King Eric IX of Sweden, who founded the royal House of Eric.
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Making a Germanic name A-list
'Eric' is one of the most commonly used Germanic names alongside Robert, Edward, William, and a few others.
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Has feminine versions
The names 'Erica' and 'Erika' are female versions of Eric.
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An early bearer of the name
Eirikr Inn Rauda, a 10th-century explorer who discovered Greenland is one of the earliest bearers of the name.
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A jack of all trades
The famous retired footballer, Cantona, is also an actor, director, and producer.
Why We Love National Eric Day
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It revives history
Celebrating the day makes it possible for us to go back into history and know some major historical happenings that contributed to the popularity, origin, and even decline of the name.
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It can be a gender-neutral name
Not all names offer the opposite sex a sense of belonging. But 'Eric' allows its female admirers to easily adopt its feminine version, which is a plus for those who want to also be tagged 'eternal' rulers.
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It is a posh name
One interesting thing about the name 'Eric' is its exquisiteness in pronunciation and spelling when used as it is or its many variants. It allows for creative spelling.
National Eric Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 26 | Saturday |
| 2023 | November 26 | Sunday |
| 2024 | November 26 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | November 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 26 | Thursday |
