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Erica

Girl name · 636 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Erica: 636 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 26 births in 1981.

The name Erica is the feminine form of Eric, derived from the Old Norse *Eiríkr*, meaning “eternal ruler” or “ever powerful.” It gained popularity across the English-speaking world in the 20th century. One of its most famous bearers is American singer-songwriter Erica Jong, whose 1973 novel *Fear of Flying* became a feminist landmark, while another is Scottish actress Erica Collind. There are no major places named after a bearer, though the root shares its etymology with the name of the Scottish clan MacGregor. Notably, Erica is also a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as heather—a plant deeply associated with Scotland’s rugged landscapes, giving the name a subtle, natural Scottish connection.