Richard - Names
Meaning of the name Richard
Gender:
Male
Meaning:
‘strong in rule’ (from Proto-Germanic: rik ’ruler’, harthu ‘hard, strong’)
History & etymology:
Richard is one of the most popular names which have been brought to England by the Normans. The early spellings used in England were: Ricardus (modelled on Latin spelling) and Rycharde. The name emerged as a combination of Proto-Germanic words: rik ’ruler’ and harthu ‘hard, strong’. Indeed, a number of outstanding European rulers bore the name Richard.
One of the possible patron Ssints of the name is St. Richard of Wyche, also known as Richard of Chichester, a 13th century priest and later the Bishop of Chichester. He voluntarily gave up his inheritance to his brother and chose the study of Holy Scriptures instead of marriage and family. He led a simple life, wearing a hairshirt and refusing to use silver tableware. Moreover, Richard was a vegetarian and kept a simple diet.
His feast day is celebrated on 3rd April.
Alternative spellings & nicknames
Variants: Ricardo, Rich, Richard, Richman, Rick, Rickey, Ricky
Diminutives: Dick, Dickie, Rich, Richie, Rick, Ricky, Rickey, Ricki, Ritchie
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Austria
3rd April: Richard
Croatia
7th February: Rikard
Czech Republic
3rd April: Richard
France
3rd April: Richard
Germany
7th February, 3rd April: Richard
Hungary
3rd April: Richard
Italy
3rd April: Riccardo
Lithuania
3rd April: Ricardas
Poland
7th February, 3rd April, 7th September: Ryszard
Spain
7th February: Ricardo
Sweden
7th February: Rikard
USA
3rd April: Richard, Rich, Ricardo, Rick, Ricky
Famous people named Richard:
Richard I of England Richard - the Lionheart (1157 - 1199)
Richard I, Duke of Normandy (933 - 996)
Richard Armitage (1971-) - English actor
Richard Attenborough (1923 - 2014) - English director
Richard Ayoade (1977-) - English comedian
Richard Branson (1950-) - British entrepreneur
Richard Camacho (1997-) - Dominican pop singer
Richard Dawkins (1941-) - English novelist
Richard Hammond (1969-) - English journalist
Richard Harris (1930 - 2002) - Irish actor
Richard Gere (1949-) - American actor
Richard Madden (1986-) - Scottish actor
Richard Nixon (1913-) - US President
Richard Pryor (1940 - 2005) - African American comedian
Richard Ray Rawlings (1969-) - American reality show star
Richard Sherman (1988-) - American football player
Richard Wisker (1995-) - English actor
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015)
USA: 155th
England and Wales: 256th
Czech Republic: 39th
Hungary: 51st
Lucky colors: yellow, brown
Lucky stone: Sapphire
Ruling planet: the Sun
Characteristics: honorable, courageous, open-minded, logical, rational