Érika

Érika is a feminine given name used in various languages, with strong presence in Portuguese-speaking contexts. It is the Portuguese spelling of Erika/Erica and is also found in Hungarian, Spanish, and other European and American settings, where diacritics or slight variants reflect local orthography.

Etymology and origins are linked to two related paths. In many contexts, Érika is treated as the feminine form of Eric, itself stemming from Old Norse Eiríkr, interpreted as “ever ruler” or “eternal power.” In some linguistic traditions, the name is also associated with the plant genus Erica (heather), a botanical name that has influenced naming practices in certain periods. The result is a name with multiple potential sources, but in everyday use Érika is generally understood as the feminine form linked to Eric.

Spellings and variants include Erika, Erica, Ericka, and the accented Érika or Érica in languages that mark stress. Pronunciation tests vary by language: in Portuguese, Érika is typically stressed on the first syllable, with vowels pronounced clearly in each syllable.

Usage and cultural notes: Érika is a relatively common given name in Brazil and Portugal and appears in other Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking communities, as well as in broader European usage. It is regarded as a modern but established name, carried across generations and often selected for its melodic sound and international recognition.

Notable people named Érika exist across fields such as sports, arts, and public life, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, reflecting the name’s regional popularity. See also Erika (name) and Erica (name) for related forms.