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Help[Facts] Which came first?
Eric or Erik?
Eric is the most common spelling used in English speaking countries, and Erik is usually listed as a form or variation of Eric. But, since the origin is the Ancient Norse/Scandinavian Eiríkr, and the Scandinavian countries mostly use Erik, wouldn't Eric actually be a form/variation of Erik?
Eric is the most common spelling used in English speaking countries, and Erik is usually listed as a form or variation of Eric. But, since the origin is the Ancient Norse/Scandinavian Eiríkr, and the Scandinavian countries mostly use Erik, wouldn't Eric actually be a form/variation of Erik?
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Funny question. I'd say: first came the sound /erik/. Second, in really ancient times, old Norse was written using runes, not latin letters. There is no difference between the c (pronounced k) and k in runes. Only than came latin letters, and Nordic languages consistently use the letter "k" for the sound "k". The c-spelling is French and English (influenced be French).
Also be prepared for huge spelling variation when you look at old documents. The was no such thing like standardised orthography for a very long time in history.
Also be prepared for huge spelling variation when you look at old documents. The was no such thing like standardised orthography for a very long time in history.
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I'm sorry I forgot to respond! I know it seems like a funny question, and I appreciate your response. I was just wondering because I thought Norse to Scandinavian would make Erik the "original" spelling, since many seem to think there is only one true way to spell a name, while Eric would be a later variation. Alas, it looks like Eric will remain the standard/original!
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