The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Erik!

Comments and insights on the name Erik: | Edit

"I've always preferred the spelling of 'Erik' over 'Eric'. Erik is more visually appealing. Its a stronger and more handsome way to spell it."

Personal experiences with the name Erik: | Edit

Aside from people wanting to spell it with a C, my name has never given me trouble. Occasionally, people will want to call me "Derrick," but this happens rarely and can't be accounted for except that they are not paying attention. The "with a K" version is Scandinavian, and the "with a C" version is Anglo-Saxon, so depending upon where you are, one version or another might sound exotic.

Nicknames for Erik: | Edit

I call my brother Erik "Err" sometimes (sounds like 'air'). When he was a baby, my family used to call him "Err Err" (sounds like Air Air). Its basically the first syllable of the name but it's really hard to spell that sound! :P

Rick or Ricky is a nickname.

It can be tough to nickname this one. Several people just call me by my last name when they want to indicate a nick. Others have used "E" as a nickname. "E-rock" is particularly weird and fun.

My parents would sometimes tease my brother Erik with the nickname "Erkle". Now I do.

Meanings and history of the name Erik: | Edit

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Famous real-life people named Erik: | Edit

Erik the Red, Viking explorer

Erik Erikson, Danish-German-American Psychologist (famous for theory stages of development)

Erik Satie, French composer and pianist

Erik Zabel, German Athlete

Erik von Detten, Actor

Erik Estrada, Actor

Erik in song, story & screen: | Edit

Erik is the name of the Phantom in the novel and musical The Phantom of the Opera.

The "X-Men" villain Magneto's given name is Erik Magnus Lenscherr.