Erich-Günther / Erik / Eric / Gunther / Gunter

Erich-Günther is a hyphenated German double name, combining two distinct Germanic elements. 'Erich' derives from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' It has a long history in Scandinavian and Germanic cultures, associated with royalty and leadership. 'Günther' (or Gunther) comes from the Old High German elements 'gund' (battle, war) and 'heri' (army, warrior), thus meaning 'battle warrior' or 'army of battle.' This name is famously associated with the legendary hero Gunther in the Nibelungenlied.

The practice of combining two given names with a hyphen became popular in Germany, particularly from the late 19th century onwards, and continued through the 20th century. This allowed parents to honor multiple family members or combine names they found appealing. Erich-Günther would have been chosen to convey a sense of strength, leadership, and martial prowess, reflecting the meanings of its constituent parts. While less common today than in previous generations, such double names still exist, often carrying a traditional or somewhat formal connotation.