Richard: meaning, definitions and examples
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Richard
[ ˈrɪtʃərd ]
proper noun
Richard is a common male given name of Old German origin, meaning 'hard ruler' or 'brave power.' It has been popular in various cultures and has many variants, such as Ricardo in Spanish and Riccardo in Italian.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Richard III was the last king of the House of York.
- My friend's name is Richard.
- Richard works as a software engineer.
- Richard often goes hiking on weekends.
Etymology
The name Richard originates from the Old High German name 'richart,' composed of the elements 'ric' meaning 'power' or 'ruler,' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'hardy.' Introduced to England by the Normans, it became particularly popular in the medieval period, partly due to the fame of several kings named Richard, most notably Richard the Lionheart, known for his leadership during the Crusades. The name has also been borne by a number of notable figures throughout history, cementing its place in various cultures. Variants of Richard developed in different languages over time. In the 19th century, Richard was among the top 10 names for boys in the United States, although its popularity has fluctuated in recent years.