Ulric is a unique and distinctive male name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old Norse elements "ulfr" meaning wolf, and "ríkr" meaning powerful or mighty. Thus, Ulric can be interpreted as "powerful like a wolf." This name has been used throughout history in various forms, such as Ulfric, Ulriker, and Ultrecht.
The name Ulric is believed to have first appeared during the Migration Period (4th-6th centuries AD) when Germanic tribes were migrating into the Roman Empire. It was popular among these tribes due to their reverence for wolves, which symbolized strength, courage, and survival in harsh environments. Some notable historical figures with this name include Saint Ulric of Augsburg (890-973), a bishop known for his devotion to the poor and his miraculous cures, and Ulric of Austria (1269-1418), a nobleman who played an important role in the politics of his time.
In literature and popular culture, Ulric has been used as a character name in various works. One example is "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, where Ulric is one of the characters who plays a significant role in the story's events. Additionally, Ulric has been used as a given name for some notable individuals, such as French philosopher and writer Michel de Montaigne's father, who was named Pierre Eyquem de Montagne Ulric.
Today, Ulric remains a rare but intriguing choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their son. It continues to evoke images of strength and power due to its wolf-related origins while also possessing a regal and distinguished sound thanks to its historical associations with influential figures throughout history.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Ulric in the United States from 1912 to 2022. Over this period, there were a total of 501 babies named Ulric born in the US.
The name's popularity has varied over time, with some years seeing more than ten births and others only a few. The highest number of Ulrics born in a single year was 15, which occurred in 2021. This recent peak suggests that the name may be experiencing renewed popularity among parents.
Overall, while Ulric is not one of the most common names in the US, it has been consistently used for at least a century and has seen some fluctuations in its usage over time. Parents who choose this name today are contributing to its enduring legacy.