Rikki

♀ Girl

Pronounced RIK-ee /ˈrɪk.i/High

Meaning: Pet form of Erika ('eternal ruler') or Frederica ('peaceful ruler') — a doubled-k mid-century favoriteMedium

In 30 seconds: A ruler's name in sneakers: Rikki pets Erika and Frederica — 'eternal' or 'peaceful ruler' — into doubled-k cool. Steely Dan sang to her; the name stays breezy and game.

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Origin MediumGermanic, Scandinavian

MeaningPet form of Erika ('eternal ruler') or Frederica ('peaceful ruler') — a doubled-k mid-century favorite

U.S. rank (2025)#3126 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births52 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1994

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,085

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

Rikki is a pet form of Erika — feminine of Eric, 'eternal ruler' — or Frederica, 'peaceful ruler', in a doubled-k styling. From Kipling's brave mongoose to Steely Dan's muse and talk-show host Ricki Lake, it carries breezy mid-century spark.

It registers thinly today, reading as retro-spunky. Ruler at the root, casual on the surface, and game.

Did you know? Steely Dan's 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' fixed this spunky spelling in pop memory — and Kipling's mongoose hero Rikki-Tikki-Tavi gave it fearless charm long before.

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Erika — root etymology

Variations

RickiRikiRickie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Rikki Lake (1968-)
American television host and actress known for her eponymous talk show in the 1990s
★Rikki Rockett (1961-)
drummer for the American glam metal band Poison

If you like Rikki…

Erika— the formal name behind it

Nikki— a fellow doubled-k retro favorite

Robyn— a fellow Germanic choice

Roslyn— lands in the same popularity range

Rainey— another Germanic name

Explore names like Rikki

By themegermanic nickname-name retro

By meaningPeace Royal / Noble Eternal

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rikki mean?

Rikki is a pet form of Erika ('eternal ruler') or Frederica ('peaceful ruler').

How do you pronounce Rikki?

It's said RIK-ee /ˈrɪk.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rikki a boy or girl name?

Rikki is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Rikki?

Rikki is a rare name in the U.S. today.