erich

Erich is a masculine given name, a German variant of Eric, derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, meaning "ever ruler" or "eternal ruler." It is used in German-speaking countries and in Scandinavia, with related forms such as Eric and Erik in English and other languages.

In German-speaking regions, Erich has been widely used since the 19th century and remains recognizable as a traditional name. The spelling Erich is often associated with older generations in some contexts, while Eric and Erik are more common in other linguistic environments.

Notable people named Erich include several prominent figures from various fields. Erich Honecker (1912–1994) was a long-serving East German political leader. Erich Maria Remarque (1898–1970) was a German novelist best known for All Quiet on the Western Front. Erich Fromm (1900–1980) was a German-born social psychologist and psychoanalyst. Erich Kästner (1899–1974) was a German author and poet, known for children's literature. Erich Hartmann (1922–1993) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace, among the most successful in World War II. Erich von Stroheim (1885–1957) was an Austrian-born film director and actor. Erich Leinsdorf (1912–1993) was an Austrian-born conductor.

Variants of the name include Eric, Erik, and their regional spellings, as well as Erika as the feminine form. The name has appeared across literature and film in Germanic and Nordic contexts and continues to be used in various forms in multiple languages.