Éric

Éric is a masculine given name used in French-speaking countries. It is the French form of the name Eric.

Origin and meaning: The name derives from the Old Norse Eiríkr, composed of elements meaning “ever/eternal” and “ruler” or “king,” yielding the sense of “ever-ruler” or “eternal ruler.” Variants include Erik, Érik, Érick, and Eric; in other languages Erich and Érico are also used.

Usage: The name rose in popularity in France in the mid-20th century and remains common. It is also used in Belgium, Switzerland, Canada (especially Quebec), and other Francophone regions. In non-French contexts, the form without accent (Eric or Erik) is more common.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Éric include the French footballer Éric Cantona; the director Éric Rohmer; the yachtsman Éric Tabarly; the footballer Éric Abidal; the journalist Éric Zemmour; and the writer Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt.

See also: Eric, Erik, and Érick are cross-language variants of the name. The name Éric continues to be used across generations in Francophone communities and beyond.