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Riccardo

♂ Boy

Pronounced ree-KAR-doh /riˈkɑr.doʊ/Medium

Meaning: The Italian form of Richard — from Germanic ric, 'ruler; power', plus hard, 'brave; hardy; strong'; 'a brave/strong ruler'Low

In 30 seconds: A brave ruler; a powerful leader: Riccardo is the Italian Richard. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'ree-KAR-doh').

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Origin LowGermanic, Italian

MeaningThe Italian form of Richard — from Germanic ric, 'ruler; power', plus hard, 'brave; hardy; strong'; 'a brave/strong ruler'

U.S. rank (2025)#5794 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1979

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,576

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Riccardo is the Italian form of Richard — from Germanic ric, 'ruler; power', plus hard, 'brave; hardy; strong' — 'a brave/strong ruler'. A crisp, classic Italian name (said 'ree-KAR-doh'; nickname Rico).

In the U.S. it appears in Italian families. Rare, a-brave-ruler at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Richard joins the Germanic ric, 'ruler; power', with hard, 'brave; strong' — 'a brave/strong ruler' — Riccardo is the Italian form, crisp and classic (said 'ree-KAR-doh').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Riccardo — Italian form of Richard

Variations

RichardRicardoRikardo

Nicknames

Rico

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Riccardo…

Ricardo— the Spanish form

Richard— the English form

Rocco— a sound-neighbor Italian boys' name

Rolando— echoes that soft -do sound

Raymundo— a fellow Germanic choice

Explore names like Riccardo

By themegermanic italian

By meaningStrength Royal / Noble Brave / Courage

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Riccardo mean?

Riccardo is the Italian Richard — Germanic 'a brave/strong ruler'.

How do you pronounce Riccardo?

It's said ree-KAR-doh /riˈkɑr.doʊ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Riccardo a boy or girl name?

Riccardo is a boy's name.

How popular is Riccardo?

Riccardo is a rare name in the U.S.