A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Riki since 1945
Babies named Riki per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 31 | 6 |
| 1950s | 81 | 40 |
| 1960s | 124 | 16 |
| 1970s | 214 | 28 |
| 1980s | 298 | 94 |
| 1990s | 233 | 106 |
| 2000s | 79 | 116 |
| 2010s | 87 | 27 |
| 2020s | 46 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Riki first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1945 and saw its peak in 1981. The name has experienced a resurgence since 2005, climbing in popularity after a period of decline. It remains rare, with a current rank of 10,107 and an incidence of 1 in 178,585 newborns in 2025. Although not recorded in any top states, its revival suggests growing appeal among parents seeking short, catchy names with cross-cultural potential. The name's dual English and Japanese origins give it a versatile character, making it accessible across different backgrounds while retaining a distinctive edge.
Riki has multiple possible origins. In English, it may have developed as a short form of Richard, Frederick, or other names ending in '-ric' or '-rik'. It could also be a variant of Ricky. Separately, Riki is a Japanese name that can mean 'strength' (力) or 'truth' (理), among other meanings depending on the kanji used.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Riki
Names that share Riki's style, for a brother or sister.
