National Erica Day: Celebrating the Power of a Name
National Erica Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring individuals named Erica or Erika, recognizing the name’s Norse origins meaning “sole ruler” or “eternally powerful.”
Quick Facts
- When is it: January 2nd annually
- Tagged as: Name Day Celebration
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalErikaDay #ErikaDay
- When was it founded: Early 20th century
- Who founded it: Origins unclear
History
The name Erika first appeared in Sweden in 1686 and gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. It’s derived from the masculine name Eric and has various spellings including Erica, Ereka, and Erika.
Timeline
- 1686: First recorded use in Sweden
- 1920s: Gained popularity in the United States
- 1980s: Reached top 100 baby names in America
- 1990s: Peak popularity period
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jan 2 | Thursday |
| 2026 | Jan 2 | Friday |
| 2027 | Jan 2 | Saturday |
| 2028 | Jan 2 | Sunday |
| 2029 | Jan 2 | Tuesday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by hosting parties, giving gifts to Ericas/Erikas in their lives, sharing social media posts, and learning about the name’s history and meaning.
Fun Facts About Erika
- The name is also associated with a flowering plant in the Heather family
- In Scandinavia, it means “ever kingly”
- Over 124,556 people were named Erika between 1880-2018 in the US
Quiz
- What’s the origin of the name Erika?
- When is National Erika Day celebrated?
- What does the name mean?
(Answers: 1. Norse 2. January 2nd 3. Sole ruler/eternally powerful)
FAQs
Q: Is Erika a German song?
A: Yes, it’s a famous German military marching song from the 1930s.
Q: How many variations of the name exist?
A: Several, including Erica, Ereka, and Erika.
Importance of the Day
This celebration recognizes the cultural significance of names and their impact on identity while bringing together communities to honor individuals bearing this powerful name.
Related Celebrations
- National Name Day
- Germanic Heritage Day
- International Women’s Day
- Cultural Heritage Day