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Ricardo

♂ Boy

Pronounced ree-KAR-doh /riˈkɑːr.doʊ/High

Meaning: Spanish and Portuguese form of Richard, from Germanic elements ric meaning power and hard meaning brave, hardyHigh

In 30 seconds: Ricardo is the elegant Spanish and Portuguese form of Richard, combining centuries of royal prestige with a warm Romance-language flair beloved across Latin America and beyond.
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Origin HighSpanish, Germanic, Portuguese
MeaningSpanish and Portuguese form of Richard, from Germanic elements ric meaning power and hard meaning brave, hardy
U.S. rank (2025)#380 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births833 boys (0.05% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1998
Total births (all-time)≈ 146,445

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199818882025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ricardo is the Spanish and Portuguese adaptation of the Old High German name Ricohard, formed from ric (power, rule) and hard (brave, hardy). It arrived on the Iberian Peninsula via Norman and Frankish influence.

The name has been consistently popular across Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean for centuries. In the United States it has been a top name in Hispanic communities and crossed into broader use.

Did you know? Ricardo was the birth name of comedian Desi Arnaz's character Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy — one of television's most beloved characters and a cultural touchstone for the name in the U.S.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Ricardo — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RichardRiccardoRickard

Nicknames

RickyRicoRic

Famous Bearers

  • ★Ricardo Montalbán (1920–2009)
    Mexican-American actor famous for roles in Fantasy Island and Star Trek II.
  • ★David Ricardo (1772–1823)
    British political economist, one of the most influential classical economists.

If you like Ricardo…

Rodrigo— strong Spanish classic with the same royal resonance and melodic three-syllable flow
Roberto— closely parallel Romance form of a Germanic classic with the same warm energy
Rafael— shares the elegant Spanish-Latin heritage and timeless masculine appeal
Sergio— popular Spanish name with a similar sophisticated, pan-cultural feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ricardo mean?

Ricardo means 'powerful ruler' or 'brave ruler,' combining Germanic elements for power and strength.

How do you pronounce Ricardo?

It is said ree-KAR-doh /riˈkɑːr.doʊ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Ricardo a Spanish name?

Yes, Ricardo is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the English and Germanic name Richard.

What are good nicknames for Ricardo?

Popular nicknames include Ricky, Rico, and Ric.