Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rico
BoySpanish, Italian· “short for Ricardo or Enrico”
- Meaning
- short for Ricardo or Enrico
- Origin
- Spanish, Italian
- Pronunciation
- REE-koh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,805
- US babies 2025
- 89
- Best rank
- #436 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1991
Meaning and origin of Rico
Rico is a Spanish and Italian name that is usually said to mean “short for Ricardo or Enrico”.
Rico is a short form of names such as Ricardo, Enrico and Federico, used in Spanish and Italian. Ricardo comes from the Germanic Richard, meaning "brave ruler," while Enrico is the Italian form of Henry, "home ruler." In Spanish, rico is also an everyday word meaning rich or delicious, which gives the name a playful, positive feel. Rico works well as an independent name, with a lively two-syllable sound and an easygoing Mediterranean flair, and it also exists as a Spanish and Italian surname.
Popularity over time
Rico first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1968. Its best national rank was #436 in 1976, and the most babies received it in 1991, when 319 were named Rico. In 2025, 89 babies were named Rico, and it ranked #1,805 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,164 in 1920, #2,975 in 1950, #585 in 1980, #1,119 in 2000, #1,295 in 2010, and #1,805 in 2025. Of the 9,926 US boys named Rico since records began, 21% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 1,972 babies. Since 2010, 1,968 more have been named Rico.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Devonta, German, Nestor, Kwame, and Dillan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rico ranked highest in Washington, Michigan, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #977 | 6 |
| Michigan | #1228 | 5 |
| California | #1230 | 16 |
| Texas | #1245 | 17 |
| Florida | #2037 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Rico is usually pronounced REE-koh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-co”.
Middle names for Rico
A few middle names that flow with Rico: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rico
Similar names
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feh-deh-REE-koh
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frahn-CHES-koh
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SEER-oh
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fran-SIS-koh
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Lists that include Rico
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rico mean?
Rico is a Spanish and Italian name that is usually said to mean “short for Ricardo or Enrico”.
What is the origin of the name Rico?
Rico has Spanish and Italian roots. Rico is a short form of names such as Ricardo, Enrico and Federico, used in Spanish and Italian.
Is Rico a popular name?
Not especially. Rico ranked #1,805 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rico a boy or girl name?
Rico is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Rico?
Rico is usually pronounced REE-koh. 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