Erling
Erling is a boy's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Chieftain's son, nobleman, or descendant of the jarl.
Origin and history
Erling is a traditional Scandinavian name derived from Old Norse roots, long associated with nobility and heritage. In the United States, it has historically been a rare choice, though it has seen a modest uptick in usage in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
1,402 babies in the United States have been named Erling since 1880. It ranks #3317 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1760.
States where it is most popular
- MN (46.7 %)
- ND (25.1 %)
- WI (12.5 %)
- NY (5 %)
- WA (2.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 5 |
| 1910-1920 | 330 |
| 1920-1930 | 365 |
| 1930-1940 | 227 |
| 1940-1950 | 153 |
| 1950-1960 | 89 |
| 1960-1970 | 56 |
| 1970-1980 | 5 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 5 |
| 2020-2029 | 167 |
Famous people named Erling
- Erling Haaland: Footballer, Athlete
- Erling Kagge: Explorer, Author
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Old Norse word 'jarl' combined with a patronymic suffix, effectively meaning 'son of a noble'.
- Global recognition of Norwegian football star Erling Haaland has introduced the name to a much broader international audience.