MallowbyNames

Riccardo

ree-KAHR-doh · Brave ruler or strong ruler.

2025 rank (boys)
#5,608
Babies named in 2025
16
Peak popularity
1979
2025 frequency
1 in 106,755 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1999

A 1970s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Riccardo since 1913

Babies named Riccardo per year in U.S. Social Security records.

122537192019602000Most births 1979Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s5
1920s7
1930s7
1940s40
1950s206
1960s244
1970s270
1980s258
1990s197
2000s132
2010s130
2020s80

Meaning & origin

Riccardo, the Italian form of Richard, has a history of intermittent but consistent use in the United States since first being recorded in 1913. The name reached its peak popularity in 1979, during a decade that saw a revival of Italian names. After a period of decline, Riccardo has been on a rising trajectory since 1999, appealing to families drawn to its strong, melodic sound and European flair. While it has not appeared among the top 1,000 rankings and lacks concentrated popularity in any particular state, Riccardo remains a distinctive choice, reflecting a broader appreciation for names that honor Italian heritage.

Riccardo is the Italian form of Richard, derived from the Germanic elements 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (brave, hardy). It has been used in Italy since the Middle Ages, particularly in the northern regions. The name was borne by several Italian nobles and artists, including the Renaissance painter Riccardo Quartararo.

Riccardo” around the world

Where Riccardo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ric, Ricky, Ricci, Cardo

Variants: Ricardo, Richard, Riccardus

Sibling names for Riccardo

Names that share Riccardo's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Riccardo, our favorite little boy.

R is for Riccardo…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Riccardo's letter becomes Riccardo's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Riccardo's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Riccardo mean?
Riccardo means 'brave ruler' or 'strong ruler,' derived from the Germanic elements for power and bravery.
How popular is Riccardo?
Riccardo ranked 5,608 in the United States in 2025, with about 1 in 106,755 boys given the name that year.
Is Riccardo a boy's name?
Yes, Riccardo is traditionally a masculine name.