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Home › Baby Names Directory › Riquelme

Riquelme

♂ Boy

Pronounced ree-KEL-may /riːˈkɛl.meɪ/Medium

Meaning: Riquelme is a Spanish surname of Germanic root, generally traced to the same name as Wilhelm/Guillermo ('resolute protector'). Its use as a given name is modern and almost entirely a tribute to the Argentine footballer Juan Roman Riquelme, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A surname turned first name, given in honour of the footballer Juan Roman Riquelme (said 'ree-KEL-may').
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Origin LowSpanish
MeaningRiquelme is a Spanish surname of Germanic root, generally traced to the same name as Wilhelm/Guillermo ('resolute protector'). Its use as a given name is modern and almost entirely a tribute to the Argentine footballer Juan Roman Riquelme, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#13776 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 61

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200720042024

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

Riquelme is a Spanish surname, usually traced to the Germanic name behind Wilhelm and Guillermo — 'resolute protector'. As a given name it is very new and reads as a football tribute: Juan Roman Riquelme, the Argentine midfielder whose elegant, slow-motion play made the name famous. We note the surname and the tribute route honestly (said 'ree-KEL-may').

In the U.S. it is very rare as a first name. Very rare, distinctive, and sports-rooted.

Did you know? Riquelme is heard as a first name almost entirely thanks to Juan Roman Riquelme, the Argentine playmaker famed for his unhurried genius on the ball. The surname itself is traced to the same Germanic root as Guillermo, which we note.
Overall data confidence 36%
References — Riquelme — Spanish surname; first-name use honours footballer Juan Roman Riquelme

Variations

RiquelmiRiquelGuillermo

Nicknames

RiqKel

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Riquelme…

Guillermo— the Spanish name at its root
Messi— a same-spirit football tribute name
Valentino— a like romantic Spanish-Italian pick
Ramirez— a similarly popular pick
Ramiro— a fellow Spanish choice

Explore names like Riquelme

By themespanishsurname-nameraresports
By meaningProtectorGift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Riquelme mean?

Riquelme is a Spanish surname, usually traced to the Germanic root behind Guillermo ('resolute protector'). As a first name it honours the footballer Juan Roman Riquelme.

How do you pronounce Riquelme?

It's said ree-KEL-may /riːˈkɛl.meɪ/ — three syllables, stress on the middle.

Is Riquelme a boy or girl name?

Riquelme is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Riquelme?

Riquelme is a very rare first name for boys in the U.S.

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