Richard

At a Glance

Meaning

A Germanic compound combining elements for 'ruler/power' and 'hardy, brave, strong' — traditionally rendered 'brave/strong ruler'

Origin

Germanic

Gender

Boy

Pronunciation

RICH-urdListen

Richard is a Germanic name built from elements meaning 'ruler' and 'hardy, brave, strong,' traditionally rendered 'brave, strong ruler.' It's pronounced RICH-urd (IPA /ˈrɪtʃərd/), and it carries a timeless, classic, vintage feel with Social Security records for boys stretching back to 1880. If you're researching it for a son, you're looking at a name with a clear, sturdy meaning and a long documented history in the U.S.

Meaning & Origin of Richard

Meaning: A Germanic compound combining elements for 'ruler/power' and 'hardy, brave, strong' — traditionally rendered 'brave/strong ruler'.

Origin: Germanic.

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Richard

Popularity of Richard

Richard hit its high point at #5 in 1930, with 32,186 boys given the name that year, and has settled to #232 in 2024 with 1,539 boys — still in use today, just well off its early-20th-century peak.

Names Like Richard

These names share Richard’s style, era or origin.

• Raymond
• Dereck
• Hugh
• Jeffrey
• Jerry
• Leonard

FAQ

What does the name Richard mean?

A Germanic compound combining elements for ‘ruler/power’ and ‘hardy, brave, strong’ — traditionally rendered ‘brave/strong ruler’. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Richard?

Richard is pronounced RICH-urd (IPA: /ˈrɪtʃərd/).

Is Richard a popular name right now?

Richard peaked at #5 in 1930 and is ranked #232 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Richard Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Richard, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.