Surname Rickard - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Excavating the Rickard DNA: A Cultural and Historical Voyage of My Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test
Understanding as much about my genealogical heritage played a strong role in shaping my identity. Therefore, I took an iGENEA DNA test to dig into my roots and the intriguing history of my surname, Rickard. The experiences were enlightening, tracing connections to England, Germany, and the Nordic countries, and discovering characteristics of leadership, bravery, and a rich seafaring heritage.
Z. Rickard
read moreRickard: What does the surname Rickard mean?
The surname Rickard is of Old Germanic origins. It is derived from the personal name "Richard", composed of the elements "ric", which means rule or power, and "hard", referring to hardy, brave, or strong. The name gained popularity due the number of early saints and warriors with this name. Over the centuries, the name has developed into a variety of forms, such as Rick, Rike, Rickman, Rixon, etc., and eventually evolved into surnames like Rickard and Ricker. Thus, the surname Rickard essentially carries the connotation of "powerful ruler" or "brave leader". It remains a common surname in several English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, England and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisRickard: Where does the name Rickard come from?
The surname Rickard is particularly common in English-speaking countries. In the United States, it is most popular in states like Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The name is also fairly common in the United Kingdom; it's particularly widespread in counties like Merseyside, Lancashire, and County Durham.
In Australia, Rickard is most prevalent in New South Wales and Victoria. It's also found in France, where it's particularly widespread in the regions of Loire-Atlantique, Indre-et-Loire, and Vienne.
The surname Rickard is quite ancient, and was likely derived from the name of the Germanic God, Ricard. It is thought to have first appeared in England about the 12th century.
As a given name, Rickard is quite popular today. It is also a frequent choice for boys' middle names. It's also been adapted into various forms, such as Richard, Richardson, and Rikard, among others.
In short, Rickard is a very common surname and is particularly prevalent in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. It has also remained popular as a given name and been adapted into various other forms.
Variations of the surname Rickard
The surname Rickard is of British origin, and is derived from the given name Richard. It can be spelt as Richard, Rickard, Ricard or Richards and Rixer. There are many variations in the spelling of the surname depending on regional dialects or times in history.
Richard is first found in England in 1180 with Jordan FitzRicard, a Crusader. It was also used in much of Brittany. The variants include Rick, Ric, Rich, Riche, Ritch, Richer, and Rickard.
The surname can also be found in other languages, such as Rickhard, Rickardti, Riikard, Reicherd, Reichert, Riekert, Rieken, or Rikert in German; Rickardin or Rikkard in French; Riccardo, Ricciardini, Riccobaldi, Riccardini, Ricucci, or Riccio in Italian; and Rekardo in Spanish.
Surame Rickard can also be found with regional spelling variations like Rickert, Ryckard, Riker, Rikard, Ryckel, Rikerd, Richardson, Richer, Rickardsson, Rikardsson, Ricks, Reecher, Recker, Rykers, Rider, Riche, Rychardson, Rykker, and Rikerdson. These variations of the surname can be found throughout Northern and Central Europe as well as Wales and Scotland.
The surname can also be found with various forms of the spelling Rickard in Ireland, with the surnames MacRickerd, Ryder, McRikard, Rackard, MacRokeard, O'Ricard, Ricketter, Riker, Rodden, Roisin, Rocker, Roecker, Reigard, Ryckard, and Reichert.
Famous people with the name Rickard
- Maureen Rickard: American actress, best known for her role as Gracie in the CBS series Lucas Tanner and Mr. Mom.
- Michael Rickard: American singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the frontman of the rock band King's X.
- Renny Rickard: British actor, best known for his appearances in 1950s and 1960s British films, including Don’t Bother to Knock (1952) and The Bulldog Breed (1960).
- Rob Rickard: Canadian musician, best known as the lead singer and frontman for the rock band Big Sugar.
- Steve Rickard: American film and television actor, who had leading roles in films such as Cathy's Curse (1977) and Damien: Omen II (1978).
- Tamara Rickard: American actress, best known for her role as Ava Stevens in the TV drama Port Charles.
- Tony Rickard: Australian businessman and politician, who served as state treasurer of Victoria from 2000 to 2002.
- William Rickard: American composer and musical director, best known for composing and performing the scores for films such as The Godfather Part II and The Exorcist.