Declining since 1985, #2,798 for boys today.
Popularity of Rickey since 1924
Babies named Rickey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 24 |
| 1930s | 133 |
| 1940s | 4,099 |
| 1950s | 27,956 |
| 1960s | 13,942 |
| 1970s | 5,227 |
| 1980s | 4,917 |
| 1990s | 2,666 |
| 2000s | 1,514 |
| 2010s | 922 |
| 2020s | 317 |
Meaning & origin
Rickey, a variant spelling of Ricky, peaked in popularity in 1958, ranking among the top 300 boy names at the time. In 2025, it ranked 2,798, with approximately 1 in 38,000 boys receiving the name. Its use has been declining since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from classic nickname-style names. The name was first recorded in U.S. data in 1924 and saw its highest usage during the baby boom of the 1950s. Florida and California were the top states for the name, suggesting a regional preference in the South and West. As a diminutive of Richard, Rickey shares roots with a name of Germanic origin that has maintained centuries of use. While less common today, Rickey retains a friendly, approachable feel.
Rickey is a pet form of Richard, which derives from the Old High German elements 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (brave, hardy). The name Richard was introduced to England by the Normans and became extremely popular, giving rise to numerous diminutives including Rick, Ricky, and Rickey. Rickey emerged as a spelling variant in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly in the Southern states.
Where Rickey is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Rickey
Names that share Rickey's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Rickey
Names whose popularity has moved with Rickey's over the last 50 years.
