Declining since 1988, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Richelle since 1942
Babies named Richelle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 61 |
| 1950s | 409 |
| 1960s | 1,518 |
| 1970s | 2,096 |
| 1980s | 1,941 |
| 1990s | 1,444 |
| 2000s | 625 |
| 2010s | 289 |
| 2020s | 73 |
Meaning & origin
Richelle is a modern feminine name that first appeared on the U.S. Social Security records in 1942, reflecting the mid-century trend of creating elaborate, feminine-sounding variants of traditional male names. Its popularity peaked in 1972, reaching its highest recorded usage that year. Since 1988, the name has been on a downward trajectory, yet it remains in use, with about 1 in every 178,585 newborn girls receiving the name in 2025. Richelle has not been concentrated in any particular state, showing a scattered geographic presence. The name carries a graceful, melodic quality that aligns with other -elle suffixed names, and it offers approachable nicknames like Ricki or Chel.
Richelle is a modern coinage, formed by adding the feminine suffix -elle to the root Rich- (from Richard, a Germanic name meaning "brave ruler"). It first appeared in the United States in the 1940s and saw its peak usage in 1972, reflecting a broader trend of creating elaborate feminine variants of established male names in the mid-20th century.
Where Richelle is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ricki, Rikki, Chel, Shelly
Sibling names for Richelle
Names that share Richelle's style, for a brother or sister.
