Richard is a common name through Britain and it has a strong association with Kings and the English Royal family.
Origin of the Name Richard
The origin of the name Richard comes from France, Germany and England. No exact location can be pinpointed because of the similarities in their early dialects, but the rise of the name unquestionably came from Europe. It also enjoys modern widespread use in Denmark and Sweden.
Meaning
“Ric” means “ruler, leader, authority figure, king” in European language roots. “Hard” means strong, tough or brave. Combined together, the meaning of Richard can be interpreted as “strong ruler” or “brave leader.”
Popularity
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Richard was not in the top 100 most popular boys’ names in 2012. The popularity of the name Richard was at its peak between the 1940s and the 1980s. It also saw significant use throughout history and folklore.
Famous Richards
Given its meaning and origins, it should come as no surprise that Richard is a popular name for rulers worldwide:
– Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was a Duke of Normandy and a prominent figure in the tales of Robin Hood.
– Richard has been the name of several United States presidents and vice presidents, including Richard Nixon, Richard Mentor Johnson and Richard “Dick” Cheney.
– Richard Foxe was the Bishop of Exeter, Durham and Winchester in sixteenth century England.
Other well-known Richards include Richard Rogers, a famous British architect, and Richard Gere, an award-winning Hollywood actor. There have also been several Saint Richards throughout history.
Useful Resources
- Our comprehensive list of English male names.
- Baby products are expensive, save money here.
