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2.6m

First Name Richard in USA

54k

Last Name Richard in USA

2018

Year Most Richard's Born

2.6m

First Name Richard in USA

54k

Last Name Richard in USA

2018

Year Most Richard's Born

70.35%

Richard's are White

Origin

The name 'Richard' is of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'king' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'hardy'. The earliest known usage dates back to the Old High German 'Richart', becoming popular in the English-speaking world after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, where it was adopted into Old French as 'Richard'.

Meaning

Traditionally, 'Richard' means 'brave ruler' or 'strong leader'. Over time, its connotation of strength and leadership has persisted, although in some cultures, it has also been associated with nobility and chivalry. In modern interpretations, it can also signify reliability and steadfastness.

Modern Usage and Variations

Currently, 'Richard' remains a relatively popular name, particularly in English-speaking countries. Variants include 'Rich', 'Rick', 'Dick', and 'Ricky'. In recent years, there has been a slight decline in its usage, with some parents opting for modern alternatives like 'Ryder' or 'Rico'.

History and Culture

Notable historical figures include Richard the Lionheart, a king of England known for his leadership during the Crusades, which has greatly influenced the perception of the name as one associated with valor and nobility. Additionally, Richard III, the last king of the House of York, has added a layer of complexity to the name due to his controversial legacy. Mythologically, Richard has been represented in literature and folklore as a symbol of chivalric virtues.

Fun facts

Richard is often shortened to 'Dick', which was once a common nickname but has fallen out of favor due to modern connotations.
In 2020, 'Richard' ranked #33 in popularity for baby boys in the United States.
The name has various international forms, including 'Ricardo' in Spanish and 'Henri' in French, showcasing its widespread appeal.
Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, is one of the most famous bearers of the name.
The name Richard has been used in numerous works of literature, including Shakespeare's 'Richard III'.

Gender

Origin

Meaning

Modern Usage and Variations

History and Culture

Fun Facts

Richard is often shortened to 'Dick', which was once a common nickname but has fallen out of favor due to modern connotations.
In 2020, 'Richard' ranked #33 in popularity for baby boys in the United States.
The name has various international forms, including 'Ricardo' in Spanish and 'Henri' in French, showcasing its widespread appeal.
Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, is one of the most famous bearers of the name.
The name Richard has been used in numerous works of literature, including Shakespeare's 'Richard III'.

Gender

Name Richard popularity in US:

Ethnicity Distribution:

Ethnicity

Percentage

Entire U.S.

White

70.35%

64.26%

African American

23.46%

11.96%

Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander

0.9%

4.85%

American Indian and Alaska Native

0.57%

0.69%

Two or More Ethnicities

1.97%

1.76%

Hispanic or Latino

2.75%

16.26%

Notable Persons

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 until 1974. He is known for his foreign policy achievements, including the opening of diplomatic relations with China and détente with the Soviet Union. His presidency was marred by the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to his resignation, making him the first U.S. president to resign from office.

Richard Jewell

Richard Jewell was an American security guard who was falsely accused of planting a bomb during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He discovered the backpack containing the bomb and alerted authorities, which saved many lives. However, he became the focus of a media firestorm and faced significant public scrutiny before being exonerated.

Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Virgin Group. He is known for his adventurous spirit and innovative business ventures, including airlines, music, and space tourism with Virgin Galactic. Branson has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts and is a prominent advocate for global issues such as climate change.

Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr is an English musician, songwriter, and actor best known as the drummer for the Beatles, one of the most influential bands in the history of music. He contributed to the band's unique sound and also had a successful solo career, producing hits like 'It Don't Come Easy' and 'Photograph.' He is also known for his peace activism and distinctive personality.