Declining since 1985, #948 for boys today.
Popularity of Ricky since 1925
Babies named Ricky per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 41 |
| 1930s | 185 |
| 1940s | 6,796 |
| 1950s | 79,170 |
| 1960s | 66,402 |
| 1970s | 22,071 |
| 1980s | 20,157 |
| 1990s | 13,418 |
| 2000s | 8,173 |
| 2010s | 4,931 |
| 2020s | 1,801 |
Meaning & origin
Ricky, a classic diminutive of Richard, enjoyed its peak popularity in 1958 when it ranked highest on the U.S. charts. Since 1985, however, its usage has been steadily falling. In 2025, it stood at rank 948 with a frequency of 1 in 6,887 births. The name has been most popular in states like New Mexico, Georgia, and Louisiana. Despite its decline, Ricky retains a friendly, approachable feel, a relic of mid-century nickname names that once dominated playgrounds.
Ricky is a diminutive of Richard, a name of Germanic origin derived from 'ric' (ruler) and 'hard' (brave, hardy). It emerged as an independent given name in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, becoming particularly popular in the United States during the mid-1900s.
Where Ricky 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, Rik, Ric
Sibling names for Ricky
Names that share Ricky's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cindy, Debbie, Pamela, Tracy, Wendy, Candy, Joni, Sandy, Vicki, Bobbijo, Cathie, Cristy, Donnetta, Kandy, Lorrie, Marci, Niki, Ricki, Tammi, Tammie, Vickie, Cammy, Candie, Cyndi, Cyndy, Debbi, Debi, Deedee, Gidget, Jodee, Mikki, Mistie, Nickie, Robbi, Sandie, Sharee, Sherie, Wendie, Barbi, Bobbiejo, Bobi, Chery, Cindee, Kammi, Kandie, Marcey, Marki, Ronee, Sherrye, Sindi, Tangie, Boni, Buffie, Chrisie, Chrisy, Cinde, Krissi, Ladeana, Mistee, Mystie, Rickia, Rockie, Sheli, Syndi, Tammey, Tangee, Kimarie, Rickayla, Anndee, Brandey, Gerica, Jany, Jodiann, Lewanda, Marsi, Pammie, Rickita, Ronnita, Rusti, Schelly, Sheralee, Sherilee, Terree, Timmi, Toyna, Tressy
Brothers: Bobby, Jimmy, Kenny, Tommy, Johnny, Jody, Rusty, Billyjoe, Dondi, Richey, Richy, Stace, Jodey, Tery
Names like Ricky
Names whose popularity has moved with Ricky's over the last 50 years.
