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Richard

♂ Boy

Pronounced RICH-erd /ˈrɪtʃ.ərd/High

Meaning: Powerful ruler; brave ruler; from Old High German ric (power, ruler) + hard (hard, brave)High

In 30 seconds: A Germanic royal classic meaning 'powerful ruler.' Borne by three English kings — including Richard I 'the Lionheart' — Richard is one of the great pillars of the English male name canon.
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Origin HighOld High German, Old English
MeaningPowerful ruler; brave ruler; from Old High German ric (power, ruler) + hard (hard, brave)
Peak year1946
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,563,082

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194618802017

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

History & Origin

Richard derives from Old High German Ricohard, composed of rīc ('ruler, power') and hard ('brave, hardy'). The name was brought to England by the Normans and was borne by three English kings. Richard I (the Lionheart) and Richard III (of Shakespeare fame) are especially prominent. It was among the most popular names in medieval England.

Richard was a top-10 U.S. boys' name for most of the 20th century (it peaked at #1 in 1924 and again in 1950). It has declined since the 1970s but remains a recognized classic. It is particularly associated with political and intellectual achievement through figures such as Richard Nixon and Richard Feynman.

Did you know? Richard I of England (1157–1199), nicknamed Richard the Lionheart, spent only about six months of his ten-year reign actually in England — yet became one of the most romanticized kings in English history.

Variations

RicardoRicardRickard

Nicknames

RichRickDickRichie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Richard I (the Lionheart) (1157–1199)
    King of England, Duke of Aquitaine; crusader king celebrated for his military prowess.
  • ★Richard Feynman (1918–1988)
    American theoretical physicist, Nobel laureate in Physics (1965).

If you like Richard…

Henry— English royal name in the same regal company
William— the most popular English king's name, comparable prestige
Edward— Old English royal name — the trio Richard, William, Edward defines medieval English kingship
George— another enduring English royal classic of the same vintage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Richard mean?

Richard means 'powerful ruler' or 'brave ruler,' from Old High German ric (power) and hard (brave).

How do you pronounce Richard?

Richard is pronounced RICH-erd (/ˈrɪtʃ.ərd/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Richard a boy or girl name?

Richard is used exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Richard?

Richard was the #1 U.S. boys' name in 1924 and 1950. It has declined but remains a recognized classic in the top 200.