Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Ritchard

      Origin

      English, Derived from Germanic Roots

      Meaning

      Powerful Ruler or Strong Leader

      Variations

      Pritchard, Richarda, Richardo
      The name Richard has deep roots in English culture, deriving from the Germanic elements rihhi, meaning powerful or rich, and hard, signifying brave or strong. Thus, the name can be interpreted as powerful ruler or strong leader. Its significance lies not only in its etymology but also in the qualities it embodies, often associated with authority, leadership, and capability.

      Richard has a rich historical lineage, particularly prominent during the medieval period. It was borne by several kings of England, notably Richard the Lionheart, who reigned from 1189 to 1199 and is celebrated for his military leadership during the Crusades. Over centuries, the name has been borne by various notable figures in history, including statesmen, writers, and artists, reinforcing its stature as a name of significance and power.

      In contemporary society, Richard remains a popular first name, often shortened to nicknames like Rich, Rick, or Ritchie. It is used widely across English-speaking countries and maintains a reputation for conveying strength and leadership. The name continues to appear in various cultural references, including literature, film, and politics, reflecting its enduring legacy and the qualities associated with it.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Ritchard.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Ritchard.
      Richard

      Richard

      This is the most common name for a child of a Ritchard.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1871 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ritchard.

      Explore the origins of another name.