Name meaning & stats
Richard
Richard means “strong ruler” (Germanic origin). 1,931,201 US babies since 1940, peak 1946. Notable Richards are 1.9× over-represented as professors.
What it means
“strong ruler”
GermanicWell documented
From Frankish Rikahard.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1946
1,931,201 US babies were named Richard between 1940 and 2025.
Where Richards end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | 1.9× | High · 436 people |
| Politician | 1.1× | High · 411 people |
| Writer | 1.4× | High · 313 people |
| Actor | 0.9× | High · 277 people |
Among notable men who are professors, Richards show up 1.9× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Richard has a surprise career: 2.7×
Spelling family
Richard is the main spelling
- Richard 100%
- Richrd <1%
- Richerd <1%
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1946)