A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Riccardo since 1913
Babies named Riccardo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 7 |
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 40 |
| 1950s | 206 |
| 1960s | 244 |
| 1970s | 270 |
| 1980s | 258 |
| 1990s | 197 |
| 2000s | 132 |
| 2010s | 130 |
| 2020s | 80 |
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
Sibling names for Riccardo
Names that share Riccardo's style, for a brother or sister.

