Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Richard

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.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighOld High German, Old English
MeaningPowerful ruler; brave ruler; from Old High German ric (power, ruler) + hard (hard, brave)
U.S. rank (2025)#234 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births1,505 boys (0.09% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1946
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,577,510

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194618802025

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

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 in the top few in 1946 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

Explore names like Richard

By meaningStrengthRoyal / NobleBrave / Courage

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

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 a popular U.S. boys' name in 1924 and 1950. It has declined but remains a recognized classic in the top 250.

💬 Ask Nia