Richard Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Richard Name Meaning

Fact: Several Nobel Prize winners are named Richard, including Richard Feynman in Physics and Richard Axel in Physiology or Medicine.

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A Deep Dive

Richard Overview

Meaning

Powerful, hardy, brave, strong ruler

Gender

Boy

Origin

German

Etymology

Derived from the Old Germanic name “Ricard,” meaning “brave ruler.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈrɪtʃərd/

Popularity

Richard is widely used in English-speaking countries and many European nations. In 2023, Richard ranked #207 for boys in the USA, showing steady usage.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

7 (Analytical, Studious, Knowledgeable)

Name Styles

Classic, Vintage, Traditional

Associated Traits

Noble, brave, dependable

Name Day

April 3 (France)
A Deep Dive

Richard Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Ricardo, Rickard, Rikard, Ryszard, Riccardo

Common Nicknames

Ritchie, Rickey, Richy, Ric

Diminutives

Rick, Richie, Rich, Ricky

Famous People

  • Richard Nixon
    (U.S. President)
  • Richard Feynman
    (American Physicist)
  • Richard Burton
    (Welsh Actor)
  • Richard Pryor
    (American Comedian)
  • Richard Branson
    (British Entrepreneur)
  • Richard Harris
    (Irish Actor)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Richard Castle
    ("Castle," TV Series)
  • Richard Nixon
    ("Frost/Nixon," Film)
  • Richard Kimble
    ("The Fugitive," Film)
  • Richard Rahl
    ("Legend of the Seeker," TV Series)
  • "Richard III"
    (Play)
  • Richard Parker
    ("Life of Pi," Film)

Places

  • Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
    (California, USA)
  • Richard J. Daley Center
    (Illinois, USA)
  • Richard Bong State Recreation Area
    (Wisconsin, USA)
  • Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge
    (Minnesota/Wisconsin, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Richard?

Richard means “strong ruler” or “brave leader.” People with this name often display confidence and leadership qualities.

What Is the Origin of The Name Richard?

The name Richard has Germanic origins, derived from the Old High German elements “ric” meaning “ruler” and “hard” meaning “brave” or “strong.” It was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century.

Richard Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Richard in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2162021#2192022#2212023
Top 3 Rankings#51930#51931#51932

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Richard

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023221
(-2 from 2022)
1638
(-42 from 2022)
0.08945
2022219
(-3 from 2021)
1680
(-101 from 2021)
0.08970
2021216
(-8 from 2020)
1781
(-44 from 2020)
0.09506
2020208
(-11 from 2019)
1825
(-164 from 2019)
0.09867
2019197
(-10 from 2018)
1989
(-148 from 2018)
0.10350
2018187
(-12 from 2017)
2137
(-147 from 2017)
0.10994
2017175
(-15 from 2016)
2284
(-239 from 2016)
0.11540
2016160
(-5 from 2015)
2523
(-163 from 2015)
0.12455
2015155
(-14 from 2014)
2686
(-199 from 2014)
0.13138
2014141
(-1 from 2013)
2885
(+87 from 2013)
0.14079
2013140
(-17 from 2012)
2798
(-230 from 2012)
0.13847
2012123
(+4 from 2011)
3028
(-137 from 2011)
0.14922
2011127
(-2 from 2010)
3165
(-73 from 2010)
0.15580
2010125
(-11 from 2009)
3238
(-373 from 2009)
0.15761
2009114
(-6 from 2008)
3611
(-449 from 2008)
0.17026
2008108
(-8 from 2007)
4060
(-365 from 2007)
0.18620
2007100
(-1 from 2006)
4425
(-43 from 2006)
0.19977
200699
(-5 from 2005)
4468
(-199 from 2005)
0.20380
200594
(-2 from 2004)
4667
(-181 from 2004)
0.21938
200492
(-6 from 2003)
4848
(-206 from 2003)
0.22940
200386
(-9 from 2002)
5054
(-268 from 2002)
0.24053
200277
(-4 from 2001)
5322
(-449 from 2001)
0.25752
200173
(-8 from 2000)
5771
(-583 from 2000)
0.27901
200065
(-4 from 1999)
6354
(-147 from 1999)
0.30426
199961
(-6 from 1998)
6501
(-453 from 1998)
0.31883
199855
(-4 from 1997)
6954
(-288 from 1997)
0.34296
199751
(-6 from 1996)
7242
(-938 from 1996)
0.36250
199645
(-3 from 1995)
8180
(-603 from 1995)
0.40824
199542
(-1 from 1994)
8783
(-732 from 1994)
0.43667
199441
(-1 from 1993)
9515
(-716 from 1993)
0.46680
199340
(+1 from 1992)
10231
(-1097 from 1992)
0.49532
199241
(-7 from 1991)
11328
(-1225 from 1991)
0.53964
199134
(+1 from 1990)
12553
(-1026 from 1990)
0.59221
199035
(-2 from 1989)
13579
(-555 from 1989)
0.63099
198933
(-1 from 1988)
14134
(-13 from 1988)
0.67434
198832
(-2 from 1987)
14147
(-256 from 1987)
0.70655
198730
(-1 from 1986)
14403
(-609 from 1986)
0.73854
198629
(-1 from 1985)
15012
(-318 from 1985)
0.78119
198528
(-1 from 1984)
15330
(-276 from 1984)
0.79661
198427
No change from 1983
15606
(-286 from 1983)
0.83157
198327
No change from 1982
15892
(-827 from 1982)
0.85276
198227
No change from 1981
16719
(-134 from 1981)
0.88592
198127
(-1 from 1980)
16853
(+198 from 1980)
0.90492
198026
(-1 from 1979)
16655
(-58 from 1979)
0.89796
197925
(-4 from 1978)
16713
(-19 from 1978)
0.93300
197821
(-1 from 1977)
16732
(-709 from 1977)
0.97928
197720
(-1 from 1976)
17441
(+686 from 1976)
1.02032
197619
(-3 from 1975)
16755
(-933 from 1975)
1.02628
197516
(+1 from 1974)
17688
(-948 from 1974)
1.09024
197417
(-1 from 1973)
18636
(-1308 from 1973)
1.14314
197316
(-2 from 1972)
19944
(-2361 from 1972)
1.23596
197214
(-3 from 1971)
22305
(-3851 from 1971)
1.33240
197111
(-1 from 1970)
26156
(-4286 from 1970)
1.43883
197010
No change from 1969
30442
(-646 from 1969)
1.59819
196910
(-2 from 1968)
31088
(-1887 from 1968)
1.69958
19688
No change from 1967
32975
(-607 from 1967)
1.85729
19678
No change from 1966
33582
(-875 from 1966)
1.88723
19668
No change from 1965
34457
(-2374 from 1965)
1.89571
19658
No change from 1964
36831
(-3264 from 1964)
1.94400
19648
No change from 1963
40095
(-677 from 1963)
1.97801
19638
No change from 1962
40772
(+1365 from 1962)
1.97478
19628
No change from 1961
39407
(-1737 from 1961)
1.87502
19618
No change from 1960
41144
(-2395 from 1960)
1.90747
19608
No change from 1959
43539
(-3643 from 1959)
2.01071
19598
No change from 1958
47182
(-2812 from 1958)
2.17782
19588
No change from 1957
49994
(-2459 from 1957)
2.32004
19578
(-1 from 1956)
52453
(-453 from 1956)
2.39632
19567
No change from 1955
52906
(-654 from 1955)
2.46507
19557
No change from 1954
53560
(-3487 from 1954)
2.56236
19547
No change from 1953
57047
(-1343 from 1953)
2.75705
19537
No change from 1952
58390
(+39 from 1952)
2.91627
19527
No change from 1951
58351
(+3810 from 1951)
2.95704
19517
No change from 1950
54541
(+3537 from 1950)
2.85304
19507
No change from 1949
51004
(+61 from 1949)
2.80426
19497
No change from 1948
50943
(-27 from 1948)
2.82702
19487
(-2 from 1947)
50970
(-7564 from 1947)
2.85907
19475
No change from 1946
58534
(-335 from 1946)
3.15109
19465
No change from 1945
58869
(+12824 from 1945)
3.56697
19455
No change from 1944
46045
(+405 from 1944)
3.35739
19445
No change from 1943
45640
(-697 from 1943)
3.28544
19435
No change from 1942
46337
(+2746 from 1942)
3.18551
19425
No change from 1941
43591
(+4482 from 1941)
3.09530
19415
No change from 1940
39109
(+1684 from 1940)
3.11661
19405
No change from 1939
37425
(+2041 from 1939)
3.15512
19395
No change from 1938
35384
(+997 from 1938)
3.12220
19385
No change from 1937
34387
(+1414 from 1937)
3.02571
19375
No change from 1936
32973
(-517 from 1936)
3.01497
19365
No change from 1935
33490
(-457 from 1935)
3.14667
19355
No change from 1934
33947
(+780 from 1934)
3.17382
19345
No change from 1933
33167
(+1835 from 1933)
3.12326
19335
No change from 1932
31332
(-477 from 1932)
3.07119
19325
No change from 1931
31809
(-13 from 1931)
2.96054
19315
No change from 1930
31822
(-363 from 1930)
2.97464
19305
(+1 from 1929)
32185
(+2613 from 1929)
2.84946
19296
No change from 1928
29572
(+779 from 1928)
2.66990
19286
No change from 1927
28793
(+2026 from 1927)
2.52313
19276
(+1 from 1926)
26767
(+1624 from 1926)
2.30369
19267
(+1 from 1925)
25143
(+1874 from 1925)
2.19505
19258
No change from 1924
23269
(+2025 from 1924)
2.02090
19248
(+1 from 1923)
21244
(+2357 from 1923)
1.81723
19239
No change from 1922
18887
(+1350 from 1922)
1.66806
19229
(+1 from 1921)
17537
(+1161 from 1921)
1.55857
192110
No change from 1920
16376
(+1366 from 1920)
1.43910
192010
(+2 from 1919)
15010
(+2569 from 1919)
1.36358
191912
No change from 1918
12441
(+118 from 1918)
1.22532
191812
(+2 from 1917)
12323
(+1409 from 1917)
1.17513
191714
(+1 from 1916)
10914
(+780 from 1916)
1.13770
191615
No change from 1915
10134
(+991 from 1915)
1.09765
191515
(+2 from 1914)
9143
(+2474 from 1914)
1.03789
191417
(+2 from 1913)
6669
(+1562 from 1913)
0.97597
191319
No change from 1912
5107
(+919 from 1912)
0.95236
191219
(+1 from 1911)
4188
(+2158 from 1911)
0.92767
191120
(+1 from 1910)
2030
(+376 from 1910)
0.84095
191021
No change from 1909
1654
(+227 from 1909)
0.79322
190921
(+2 from 1908)
1427
(+183 from 1908)
0.80684
190823
(-1 from 1907)
1244
(+9 from 1907)
0.74774
190722
(+1 from 1906)
1235
(+151 from 1906)
0.77877
190623
(-1 from 1905)
1084
(+51 from 1905)
0.75243
190522
(+2 from 1904)
1033
(+76 from 1904)
0.72120
190424
(+2 from 1903)
957
(+94 from 1903)
0.69096
190326
No change from 1902
863
(-45 from 1902)
0.66733
190226
No change from 1901
908
(+124 from 1901)
0.68399
190126
(-2 from 1900)
784
(-357 from 1900)
0.67825
190024
(+3 from 1899)
1141
(+397 from 1899)
0.70378
189927
(-1 from 1898)
744
(-127 from 1898)
0.64587
189826
(+5 from 1897)
871
(+169 from 1897)
0.65935
189731
(-5 from 1896)
702
(-132 from 1896)
0.57568
189626
(+5 from 1895)
834
(+107 from 1895)
0.64616
189531
(-6 from 1894)
727
(-81 from 1894)
0.57406
189425
(+1 from 1893)
808
(+76 from 1893)
0.64696
189326
(+1 from 1892)
732
(-70 from 1892)
0.60475
189227
No change from 1891
802
(+193 from 1891)
0.61011
189127
(-2 from 1890)
609
(-134 from 1890)
0.55736
189025
(-1 from 1889)
743
(+32 from 1889)
0.62072
188924
(+2 from 1888)
711
(-61 from 1888)
0.59732
188826
(-1 from 1887)
772
(+150 from 1887)
0.59427
188725
(-2 from 1886)
622
(-98 from 1886)
0.56902
188623
(+3 from 1885)
720
(+48 from 1885)
0.60483
188526
(-3 from 1884)
672
(-77 from 1884)
0.57959
188423
(-2 from 1883)
749
(+100 from 1883)
0.61024
188321
(+1 from 1882)
649
(-97 from 1882)
0.57702
188222
No change from 1881
746
(+105 from 1881)
0.61132
188122
(+1 from 1880)
641
(-87 from 1880)
0.59201
188023
First SSA data recorded
728
First SSA data recorded
0.61487

American States Popularity Rankings for Richard

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2022021#1892022#2122023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1932021#2112022#1852023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#1872021#1762022#1942023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2192021#2282022#2252023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2712021#2382022#3192023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2332021#2412022#2332023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#2152021#2392022#2612023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1452021#1772022#1442023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1892021#2122022#2032023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2682021#2592022#2622023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3422021#2362022#3622023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1762021#2182022#1562023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2592021#4242022#3052023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2812021#2112022#2002023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1932021#1762022#2322023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1952021#2202022#2392023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#3002021#3292022#2482023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1882021#2292022#2312023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1902021#1562022#1892023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2482021#2352022#2642023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1852021#1422022#2402023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3702021#2882022#2602023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3202021#2362022#2702023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1832021#2012022#1712023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2222021#2652022#2632023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1542021#2902022#3192023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2472021#2632022#2732023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#3622021#2282022#2832023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1792021#2062022#1412023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1702021#2222022#1942023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#4202021#1992022#4922023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3512021#3062022#3542023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1682021#1912022#1742023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2142020#2262021#1492023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1702021#1642022#2352023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#3262021#3832022#2502023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3102021#3122022#2862023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2272021#1362022#1392023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2532021#1962022#1522023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1592021#1802022#1572023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1192021#1622022#2262023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1822021#2302022#2312023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3952021#4752022#3982023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2402016#2462018#1782021

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1962017#1932018#1912022

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1392020#2352021#2242022

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#812011#1512014#1142018

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1942019#882021#1312022

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#2772021#2852022#3782023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1372018#1322019#862020

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1242021#1452022#1972023

Popularity Rankings for Richard in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Medieval England

Medieval England flagMedieval England#41377-1381

Popularity in Slovakia

Slovakia flagSlovakia#112021#102022#162023

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#812011#432012#712014

Popularity in Czechia

Czechia flagCzechia#682014#632015#602016

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#1001995#951996#981997

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1661995#1941996#1951997

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#1772021#1752022#1712023

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#1962020#1922021#1732022

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#2001998#1861999#1922006

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#1882011#1982012#1922013

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2042021#2052022#2192023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#2372019#2972022#2892023

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#3292021#2942022#2442023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3282021#4252022#2782023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3352021#3932022#2952023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3652019#3042020#3112022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#3892018#4982019#3092022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#3242019#3512020#3622021

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#3432021#3412022#7002023

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#3652021#4372022#4512023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#7982020#9802021#5982022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#8392020#7152021#6442022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#8002023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Richard a Name for Boys or Girls?

Richard is a masculine name, commonly associated with male figures due to its meaning of strength and leadership.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Richard

Richard in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Richard Nixon (U.S. President, 1913–1994): The 37th President of the United States who resigned from office following the Watergate scandal.
  • Richard Feynman (Physicist, 1918–1988): An American theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and won the Nobel Prize in Physics.
  • Richard Burton (Actor, 1925–1984): A Welsh actor celebrated for his Shakespearean roles and Hollywood films.
  • Richard Pryor (Comedian, 1940–2005): An American comedian and actor famous for his incisive and influential stand-up comedy.
  • Richard Branson (Entrepreneur, born 1950): A British entrepreneur who founded the Virgin Group, which controls more than 400 companies.
  • Richard Harris (Actor, 1930–2002): An Irish actor known for his roles in "Camelot" and the "Harry Potter" series.
  • Richard Dawkins (Biologist, born 1941): A British evolutionary biologist and author, known for his work in popularizing science and atheism.
  • Richard Strauss (Composer, 1864–1949): A German composer and conductor famous for his operas and tone poems.
  • Richard Castle ("Castle," 2009 TV Series): A mystery novelist who teams up with the NYPD to solve crimes while finding inspiration for his books.
  • Richard Nixon ("Frost/Nixon," 2008 Film): The 37th President of the United States who engages in a series of televised interviews with British journalist David Frost.
  • Richard Kimble ("The Fugitive," 1993 Film): A doctor wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder who escapes custody to find the real killer.
  • Richard Rahl ("Legend of the Seeker," 2008 TV Series): The Seeker of Truth destined to combat dark forces and save his world.
  • "Richard III" (Play): A historical drama by William Shakespeare depicting the rise to power and short reign of King Richard III of England.
  • Richard Parker ("Life of Pi," 2012 Film): A Bengal tiger who shares a lifeboat with the protagonist, Pi Patel, in a story of survival at sea.
  • Richard "Dick" Grayson ("Batman: The Animated Series," 1992 TV Series): The first Robin who later becomes the vigilante Nightwing.
  • "Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip" (1982 Film): A stand-up comedy film featuring the legendary comedian Richard Pryor.
  • Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum (California, USA): A library and museum dedicated to the 37th President of the United States, located in Yorba Linda, California.
  • Richard J. Daley Center (Illinois, USA): A civic center and courthouse named after the long-time mayor of Chicago, located in the Loop area of the city.
  • Richard Bong State Recreation Area (Wisconsin, USA): A state park offering various outdoor activities, named after the World War II flying ace Richard Bong.
  • Richardson Bay (California, USA): An arm of San Francisco Bay, surrounded by the towns of Sausalito and Tiburon in Marin County.
  • Richardson Highway (Alaska, USA): A major highway in Alaska, running from Valdez to Fairbanks and offering scenic views of the Alaskan wilderness.
  • Richard I. Bong Bridge (Minnesota/Wisconsin, USA): A bridge spanning the Saint Louis Bay, connecting Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin.