Rising since 2022.
Popularity of Rica since 1914
Babies named Rica per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 8 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 39 |
| 1960s | 31 |
| 1970s | 122 |
| 1980s | 140 |
| 1990s | 126 |
| 2000s | 33 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Rica is a short, melodic name with several possible origins, including Spanish, Scandinavian, and Japanese. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1914, but its peak popularity came much later, in 1991. In recent years, the name has been rising in use since 2022, though it is still relatively rare. Rica's versatility across cultures may appeal to parents seeking a globally resonant name. However, its etymology is not firmly established, with connections to Spanish 'rica' (rich) or as a diminutive of names like Erica being plausible but unconfirmed.
Rica has multiple possible origins. In Spanish, it may derive from the adjective 'rica' meaning 'rich'. In Scandinavian languages, it can be a short form of names like Fredrika or Henrikka. In Japanese, リカ (Rika) is a common given name, often written with characters such as 理花 (reason + flower) or 里香 (village + fragrance). The name has been in sporadic use in the United States since 1914, with a peak in popularity in 1991.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Rika, Reeka
Sibling names for Rica
Names that share Rica's style, for a brother or sister.
