Holding steady, #5,399 for boys today.
Popularity of Richmond since 1880
Babies named Richmond per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Richmond's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 98 |
| 1890s | 116 |
| 1900s | 123 |
| 1910s | 394 |
| 1920s | 533 |
| 1930s | 390 |
| 1940s | 397 |
| 1950s | 403 |
| 1960s | 322 |
| 1970s | 334 |
| 1980s | 276 |
| 1990s | 339 |
| 2000s | 245 |
| 2010s | 230 |
| 2020s | 105 |
Meaning & origin
Richmond is a name of English origin that combines strength and geography, deriving from the Old English words for 'powerful' and 'hill'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and achieved its peak rank in 1899. In the most recent year (2025), it ranks 5,399th with an estimated 1 in 100,475 newborns receiving the name. The name's popularity has remained relatively stable over time, never experiencing a major surge but also never falling into obscurity. While it does not show strong regional ties to any specific top state, its classic sound and connection to the historic city of Richmond, Virginia, give it a dignified, understated appeal.
Richmond is derived from the Old English elements 'rīc' (powerful, strong) and 'munt' (hill), thus 'strong hill'. It originated as a place name in Yorkshire and later became a surname. As a given name, it saw modest use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rich, Richie
Sibling names for Richmond
Names that share Richmond's style, for a brother or sister.
