Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Richard
BoyGermanic, English· “brave ruler”
- Meaning
- brave ruler
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- RIH-churd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #234
- US babies 2025
- 1,505
- Best rank
- #5 (1930)
- Peak year
- 1946
Meaning and origin of Richard
Richard is a Germanic and English name that means “brave ruler”.
Richard comes from the Germanic elements ric, "ruler" or "power", and hard, "brave" or "hardy", so it is usually rendered "brave ruler" or "strong ruler". The Normans brought it to England, where it became a royal name: Richard the Lionheart led the Third Crusade, and Richard III is the subject of one of Shakespeare's best-known history plays. The name has been used continuously for centuries across Europe, in forms such as Riccardo and Ricardo. Richard is dignified and traditional, with a range of nicknames that includes Rich, Rick, Ricky and Dick. It remains a solid classic.
Popularity over time
Richard has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #5 in 1930, and the most babies received it in 1946, when 58,870 were named Richard. In 2025, 1,505 babies were named Richard, and it ranked #234 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #10 in 1920, #7 in 1950, #26 in 1980, #65 in 2000, #125 in 2010, and #234 in 2025. Of the 2,577,552 US boys named Richard since records began, 21% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 477,476 babies. Since 2010, 36,740 more have been named Richard.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include William, Charles, Larry, Ronald, and John.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Richard ranked highest in Vermont, District of Columbia, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #56 | 9 |
| District of Columbia | #94 | 10 |
| Delaware | #111 | 10 |
| Idaho | #124 | 21 |
| Alaska | #137 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Richard is usually pronounced RIH-churd, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with R and ends in “-rd”.
Middle names for Richard
A few middle names that flow with Richard: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Richard
Similar names
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Lists that include Richard
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Richard mean?
Richard is a Germanic and English name that means “brave ruler”.
What is the origin of the name Richard?
Richard has Germanic and English roots. Richard comes from the Germanic elements ric, "ruler" or "power", and hard, "brave" or "hardy", so it is usually rendered "brave ruler" or "strong ruler".
Is Richard a popular name?
Yes. Richard ranked #234 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Richard a boy or girl name?
Richard is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Richard?
Richard is usually pronounced RIH-churd. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings