Richard

Richard
Gender:	Male
Origin:	Common Germanic
Meaning:	"powerful ruler"

For the street football game, see Richard (football)

Richard is German, Hungarian, Czech and Slovak. The first or given name Richard comes from the Germanic elements 'ric' (meaning power, rule, leader) and 'hard' (meaning brave, hardy, strong). It can thus be interpreted to mean strong ruler, brave leader, firm rule or any of many similar variations. It was brought to Britain by the Normans. It has enjoyed continuous popularity to the present day, strongly influenced by the fact that it was borne by three kings of England.

Cognates. French: Richard. Irish Gaelic: Ristéard. Italian: Riccardo. Low German: Ri(c)kert. Polish: Ryszard. Portuguese: Ricardo. Scandinavian: Rikard, Rickard. Scottish Gaelic: Ruiseart. Spanish: Ricardo. Welsh: Rhisiart.

Short forms. English: Ric, Rick, Rich, Chard, Chad, Dick, Hecka. Slovak: Rišo, Riško. Polish: Rysio.

Pet forms. English: Richo, Ricky, Rickie, Richie, Ricky Boy.

People

See here for all articles on people named "Richard".

See also

Related family names include:

• Dick
• Richardson
• Ritchie
• Richie
• Rickey