Erin

Updated: September 27, 2023 by Sarah Nance

Erin is a simple name that is beautiful for boys or girls. It hails from Ireland and was one of the first names used in the country. Despite the name being hundreds of years old, it did not appear on the Social Security Index until 1947.

Meaning and Origin of the name Erin:

Originally of Irish descent, the girl's name Erin means “from the island to the west,” or green water. Erin is said the same way that the name Aaron is pronounced. However, Aaron has a Biblical basis, while the baby's name, Erin, has a traditional Irish background. It is a first-wave name of the country that is the same as the nickname for Ireland itself.

Symbolism of the name Erin:

Many assume that the baby's name, Erin, still has a Hebrew basis, like Aaron. However, this is simply not true. In fact, Erin comes from the Gaelic nickname for Ireland, Eirinn.

Nicknames for the name Erin:

Erie
Ery
Rin
Eri
Riri
Err
Ernie
Eni
Rinny
ErBear
Erikins
Rina
Nini

Style of the name Erin:

Traditional

Gender of the name Erin:

Erin is a unisex baby name, but this spelling is primarily used for girls.

Pronunciation of the name Erin:

EH-rin

Number of syllables in the name Erin:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Erin:

Erin feels playful and lighthearted. It has an almost naturalistic or outdoorsy feel too.

Alternative spellings for the name Erin:

Aerin
Airin
Earin
Eirin
Arin
Aaron
Aryn

Popularity of the name Erin:

Though on the Social Security top 1,000 for girls in 1947, Erin did not reach a top 100 spot until 1971. From 1980 to 1983, Erin was a top 20 name, reaching number 18 in 1983. The name has declined in popularity in recent years, now ranking at number 520 for girls.