Richard: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are cultural traditions in many countries, celebrating the specific date associated with a saint or religious figure sharing the name. The robust and traditional name Richard carries a powerful history, originating from ancient elements meaning 'ruler' and 'brave.' Richard’s consistent usage in the USA showcases its enduring classic strength and established mood. This serious and capable name is celebrated across several European countries and the USA on dates like February 7th and April 3rd. Its strong masculine identity and noble etymology make Richard a truly foundational choice.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Richard's name day is celebrated
on February 7 in Austria, Denmark and Estonia and
April 3 in Austria, Czechia, France, Hungary (
Richárd), Slovakia and the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
Richard has been a cornerstone of American nomenclature for centuries, maintaining widespread recognition and widespread usage. Historically, it saw significant peaks in popularity, particularly during the mid-20th century where it consistently ranked among the top boys' names. While its high ranking has softened in recent decades, it remains a common choice, evoking a sense of traditional solidity. Its frequent use has led to many familiar nicknames like Rick, Rich, and Richie, cementing its place in the American lexicon. The name carries a pervasive cultural footprint, often associated with established authority and reliability across generations.
Name origin and meaning
The name Richard is of Germanic origin, traditionally derived from ancient elements signifying might and command. It is a compound name built from the root *ric, meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' combined with *hard, meaning 'brave' or 'hardy.' This etymological structure creates an overall meaning often interpreted as 'powerful ruler' or 'brave king.' This powerful implication contributed to its early adoption among continental royalty and nobility across Europe. The name’s transition into various European languages slightly altered its spelling but preserved its core meaning and authoritative tone.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Richard is overwhelmingly recognized globally as a masculine given name. Its usage is almost exclusively male, tracing back through centuries of European and subsequently worldwide history. In regions like Western Europe, North America, and Australia, it is firmly established in the male identity category. There is virtually no recorded or common usage of Richard as a standalone first name for females in any major cultural context. Consequently, it is classified strictly as a traditionally male name rather than unisex.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Richard projects a very strong and established mood, characterized by a sense of reliability and traditional authority. It suggests a serious, grounded, and perhaps classic personality, leaning away from overly playful or whimsical vibes. The tone is sturdy and unwavering, often associated with capability and leadership qualities. While highly traditional, it avoids seeming overly formal and maintains a respectable, mature elegance. Its commonality gives it a familiar, powerful strength without being ostentatious or futuristic.
A Name’s Journey Through Languages
Richard - English (Standard form)
Ricardo - Spanish, Portuguese (Popular in Latin America)
Rikard - Swedish, Croatian (Scandinavian and Balkan variation)
Rikhard - Finnish (Finnish adaptation)
Richárd - Hungarian (Uses an accent)
Ričardas - Lithuanian (Lithuanianized with -as ending)
Ričard - Slovenian, Serbian (Slavic version)
Ryszard - Polish (Distinct Polish spelling)
Rikardo - Basque, Esperanto (Phonetic variation)
Riccardo - Italian (Double ‘c’ typical for Italian)
Notable and famous people: Richard
Richard Wagner – German composer, known for epic operas.
Richard Branson – British entrepreneur, founder of Virgin Group.
Richard Nixon – American politician, 37th U.S. president.
Richard Gere – American actor, famous for "Pretty Woman."
Richard Dawkins – British biologist, popularized evolutionary science.
Richard Burton – Welsh actor, known for Shakespearean roles.
Richard Feynman – American physicist, key in quantum mechanics.
Richard Attenborough – British filmmaker, directed "Gandhi."
Richard Pryor – American comedian, pioneer of stand-up.
Richard Strauss – German composer, famous for "Also sprach Zarathustra."
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Richard
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 7 – The Seeker.
Keywords: Introspection, wisdom, spirituality, knowledge, analytical thinking.
Positive Traits: Deep thinker, philosophical, intuitive, intellectual, private.
Challenges: Can be aloof, secretive, or overly skeptical.
Life Path Meaning: A spiritual and intellectual journey of deep self-discovery.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 9 - The Humanitarian.
Traits: Compassionate, idealistic, wise, selfless.
Strengths: Generous, charismatic, inspires others.
Challenges: Can be overly emotional, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Neptune - Spirituality, Dreams, Creativity.
Neptune is the planet of mysticism, dreams, and intuition. Names ruled by Neptune tend to belong to highly imaginative, artistic, and spiritually attuned individuals. These names reflect deep emotional sensitivity, creativity, and an affinity for the unseen or mystical. People with Neptune-ruled names are often drawn to artistic and spiritual pursuits.
Name days: Name Richard
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Austria | February | 7 | Ava, Richard, Ronan |
 Denmark | February | 7 | Richard |
 Estonia | February | 7 | Richard, Riho, Riko, Riku |
| Austria | April | 3 | Richard, Sixtus |
 Czechia | April | 3 | Richard |
 France | April | 3 | Richard |
 Hungary | April | 3 | Buda, Richárd |
 Slovakia | April | 3 | Richard |
 USA | April | 3 | Dick, Dickson, Dix, Dixie, Dixon, Doris, Ricarda, Ricardo, Rich, Richard, Richelle, Richman, Rick, Rickey, Ricky, Rosamond, Rosamund, Ryan |
Name days: Similar names (Richard)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
Richard A Name of Powerful Rule
Richard stands as a venerable and universally male name, rooted deeply in Germanic history and translating to 'powerful ruler.' Its enduring popularity in the USA demonstrates a preference for names that evoke strength, reliability, and established tradition. The overall mood associated with Richard is decidedly strong and mature, fitting its powerful historical identity. Richard's significant recognition is also highlighted by its observance on multiple name days, including February 7th and April 3rd, across numerous countries. This consistency in identity, usage, and recognition solidifies Richard as a classic mainstay worldwide.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
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