Richard etymology

Etymology

The name Richard is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Old High German "Ricohard" or "Rihhard," which is composed of two elements:

  • Ric (or Rih) - meaning "ruler" or "leader"
  • Hard - meaning "strong" or "hardy"

Meaning

Richard therefore means "strong ruler" or "hardy ruler."

Origin

The name Richard was first borne by a 7th-century Merovingian king of the Franks, who was named Charibert. Through various linguistic changes, Charibert evolved into Richard in Old High German.

Popularity

Richard has been a popular name throughout history, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has ranked among the top 100 baby names in the United States for over a century.

Famous People with the Name Richard

  • Richard the Lionheart, King of England
  • Richard III, King of England
  • Richard Nixon, President of the United States
  • Richard Gere, actor
  • Richard Branson, entrepreneur
  • Richard Dawkins, evolutionary biologist

Richard relate terms

  • rich

    Etymology The word rich originated in Middle English from the Old French riche which

  • Reich

    Etymology and Origin The word reich is derived from the Old High German word ríhhi

  • Richard

    Etymology The name Richard is of Germanic origin and is derived from the Old High German

  • rickettsia

    Etymology The term rickettsia is derived from Ricketts genitive form of the name

  • meme

    Etymology The word meme is derived from the Greek word mimema μίμημα which m

  • Anasazi

    Etymology The name Anasazi is derived from the Navajo word anásází which means a

  • Angevin

    Etymology The term Angevin derives from the Latin Andegavensis which refers to the i

  • perfunctory

    Etymology The word perfunctory originates from the Latin phrase per functus which m

  • vanity

    Etymology From Middle English vanite from Old French vanité from Latin vanitas emp

  • rise

    Etymology The word rise comes from the Old English verb rīsan which means to ascen