The name dates back to ancient Norse times, and was also prominent among Scandinavian monarchs. Eric the Red was the first Norse explorer of Greenland and father of Leif Ericson, Eric IX was king of Sweden and is revered as Sweden’s patron saint (although he was never formally canonized), and Eric of Pomerania was king of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This Amor {see planet  (1221)} object also honors Eric Dale Roman, the discoverer’s first child, in his first year of life. (M 19341) _ _.