erika

Erika is a feminine given name used in many countries. It is a variant of Erica, which itself derives from the masculine Eric, from the Old Norse Eiríkr meaning "ever ruling" or "eternal ruler." The spelling Erika is common in German-speaking and Nordic regions; Erica is more frequent in English-speaking countries, and Érika appears in several Romance- and Slavic-language communities.

Usage of the name has been widespread across Europe and the Americas, with popularity varying by country and era. It is often chosen for its smooth phonetics and classical roots, and has produced several diminutives and international variants. In contemporary times, Erika remains a familiar name in many cultures and languages.

Notable people named Erika include Erika Eleniak (born 1969), an American actress and former Playboy Playmate; Erika Christensen (born 1982), an American actress; Erika Sawajiri (born 1986), a Japanese actress and singer; and Erika Jayne (born 1971), an American singer and actress also known as Erika Girardi.

The name Erika has also appeared in other contexts, such as in maritime history, where the tanker MV Erika became known for a major oil spill after grounding off Brittany, France in 1999. The use of Erika in ships and fictional works reflects its broad cultural reach as a personal name.