Richard: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced RICH-erd · 2 syllables
A hypothetical Old English equivalent *Richeard would also yield an identical "Richard" in Modern English, though it is unknown if the Old English equivalent existed.
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- RICH-erd
- US rank (2025)
- #234
- US babies a year
- about 1,634 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1940
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Dick, Rick, Ricky, Rich, Richie
How popular is Richard?
Richard was the #234 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,505 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 44% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #234 |
| England & Wales | #351 |
| Scotland | #391 |
| Northern Ireland | #304 |
| Ireland | #229 |
| Canada | #476 |
| Australia | #454 |
How old are people named Richard?
Half of US adults named Richard are older than 65; most are between 31 and 85. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Richard
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Richard have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Richard
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Richard
How do you pronounce Richard?
Richard is pronounced RICH-erd.
How popular is the name Richard?
Richard was the #234 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,505 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 44% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
How old are people named Richard?
Half of US adults named Richard are older than 65. Most are between 31 and 85.