Ricci

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Ricci

Pronounced REE-chee /ˈriː.tʃi/Medium

Meaning: Ricci is an Italian surname meaning 'curly-haired,' from riccio, 'curly.' Used as a first name it also reads as a short form of Riccardo/Richard, from Germanic ric + hard, 'brave ruler.' The double-c is pronounced 'ch,' giving 'REE-chee.'Low

In 30 seconds: Ricci is an Italian surname meaning 'curly-haired' (said 'REE-chee'), also linked to Richard.

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Origin MediumItalian

MeaningRicci is an Italian surname meaning 'curly-haired,' from riccio, 'curly.' Used as a first name it also reads as a short form of Riccardo/Richard, from Germanic ric + hard, 'brave ruler.' The double-c is pronounced 'ch,' giving 'REE-chee.'

U.S. rank (2019)#13709 ↘ Falling

2019 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1954

Total births (all-time)≈ 879

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

Ricci comes from the Italian riccio, 'curly,' a descriptive surname for someone with curly hair. As a given name in America it doubles as a short, stylish form of Riccardo, the Italian Richard, from Germanic elements meaning 'brave ruler.' Its 'ch' pronunciation catches English speakers who expect a hard c.

Never common, Ricci touched a modest high point in the mid-1950s and has stayed rare. As a surname-name it has not revived, though its crisp Italian sound fits today's taste for names like Enzo and Rocco; parents choosing it usually have Italian heritage or a fondness for the sound.

Did you know? Ricci saw its small peak around 1954, an Italian-American surname carried up front in the postwar years.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Ricci — Italian surname riccio 'curly'; also short for Riccardo/Richard; 1954 peak

Variations

RicchiRiccio

Nicknames

RickRicky

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ricci…

Rocco— a like Italian boys' name back in style

Rico— a same-family short form in the Ric- group

Ricky— a related short form of Richard

Enzo— a same-era-of-revival Italian boy's name

Explore names like Ricci

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ricci mean?

Ricci is an Italian surname meaning 'curly-haired,' also linked to Richard.

How do you pronounce Ricci?

It's said REE-chee /ˈriː.tʃi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ricci a boy or girl name?

Ricci is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Ricci?

Ricci is a rare given name in the United States, better known as an Italian surname.