Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Erin
GirlIrish· “Ireland”
- Meaning
- Ireland
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- AIR-in
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #833
- US babies 2025
- 327
- Best rank
- #18 (1983)
- Peak year
- 1983
Meaning and origin of Erin
Erin is an Irish name that means “Ireland”.
Erin comes from Éirinn, a form of Éire, the Irish name for Ireland. For centuries Erin was a poetic name for the country, familiar from songs and verse such as the phrase "Erin go bragh." As a given name it came into use in the twentieth century, first in Ireland and then more widely in the United States, Britain and Australia. Erin has a soft, clear sound and a simple spelling, and it carries a gentle sense of Irish heritage without feeling overly traditional. It works well at any age and needs no nickname.
Popularity over time
Erin first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 75 different years, starting in 1890. Its best national rank was #18 in 1983, the same year it reached its highest count of 14,836 babies. In 2025, 327 babies were named Erin, and it ranked #833 nationally. That is 66% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,677 in 1920, #1,044 in 1950, #20 in 1980, #61 in 2000, #216 in 2010, and #833 in 2025. Of the 316,575 US girls named Erin since records began, 37% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 67,888 babies. Since 2010, 12,950 more have been named Erin.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Crystal, Kristen, Lindsey, Lindsay, and Alicia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Erin ranked highest in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #415 | 7 |
| New Jersey | #456 | 17 |
| Arkansas | #512 | 6 |
| Louisiana | #554 | 8 |
| Kansas | #610 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Erin over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Erin is usually pronounced AIR-in, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Erin
A few middle names that flow with Erin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Erin
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Lists that include Erin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Erin mean?
Erin is an Irish name that means “Ireland”.
What is the origin of the name Erin?
Erin has Irish roots. Erin comes from Éirinn, a form of Éire, the Irish name for Ireland.
Is Erin a popular name?
Yes. Erin ranked #833 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Erin a boy or girl name?
Erin is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Erin over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Erin?
Erin is usually pronounced AIR-in. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings