What is the etymology of Eragon's name?

Answer 1

Christopher Paolini has said he came up with the name by replacing the first letter of the word dragon. Some people feel he lifted the name from Anne McCaffery. In Anne McCaffery's series there was a character named Erragon (with two r's). She has been writing about dragon riders in her Pern series since the 1960's. Paolini has sited these works as a major influence.

In the Paolini series, Eragon was also the name of the first ever dragon rider.

While I agree with the first two writers information, here is a little more backstory on Eragons name. He was the first dragon rider with a white dragon. But I believe he is still alive. Take all the facts into consideration. There is yet to be another dragon and rider discovered in the final book, but from what the first three, mainly the first book "Eragon" tells us, is that if Eragon ever finds himself in need of advice, go to this place where he can speak his name and I believe there is where he will find the first Eragon and his dragon waiting for him. This new dragon rider coming in the fourth book can be seen swaying from either side. Galbatorix already has Murtagh and Thorn, but from Brisingr, Eragon told him that their true names can change. So Murtagh may finally be rid of his vows to the king. If that were to happen, Murtagh would then definatly switch sides and provide the varden with information on how to bring Galbatorix down. This new rider though is still in the clutches of the king because the egg is still there with him. When that egg hatches to its new rider, you know Galbatorix will make the rider swear oathes to him, like Murtagh, but the rider won't know the information about how his/her true name may change. If the varden can pull off another steal with this egg like they did with Saphira's egg, then the rider will have a chance. In my personal opinion, I think the new rider will be Arya.

Answer 2

The name "Eragon" is a creation of author Christopher Paolini for the protagonist of his book series. There is no specific etymology for the name as it was invented by the author.