Holding steady, #3,949 for boys today.
Popularity of Rich since 1880
Babies named Rich per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 68 |
| 1890s | 28 |
| 1900s | 36 |
| 1910s | 57 |
| 1920s | 54 |
| 1930s | 69 |
| 1940s | 341 |
| 1950s | 750 |
| 1960s | 1,789 |
| 1970s | 316 |
| 1980s | 155 |
| 1990s | 176 |
| 2000s | 202 |
| 2010s | 188 |
| 2020s | 178 |
Meaning & origin
Rich is a short form of Richard, a name of Germanic origin meaning 'brave ruler.' It became a given name in its own right, particularly in the 20th century. The name peaked in 1962, and in 2025 it ranked 3949 with roughly 1 in 63262 boys receiving the name. Its trajectory has been stable in recent years, and it has been recorded since 1880. Rich is most popular in Florida, where it sees the highest frequency among states. As a standalone name, it carries a straightforward meaning and a classic feel.
Rich is a short form of Richard, from Old Germanic elements *rīk- 'ruler, power' and *hardu- 'brave, hardy'. As an independent given name, it emerged as a nickname in the Middle Ages. The name Richard was introduced to England by the Normans and became exceptionally popular, with numerous royal bearers. Rich saw its peak use as a given name in the mid-20th century, often as a standalone name rather than a nickname.
Where Rich is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Rich
Names that share Rich's style, for a brother or sister.
