Declining since 1994, #3,100 for girls today.
Popularity of Rikki since 1943
Babies named Rikki per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 81 | 15 |
| 1950s | 180 | 81 |
| 1960s | 235 | 35 |
| 1970s | 892 | 99 |
| 1980s | 2,041 | 167 |
| 1990s | 2,222 | 152 |
| 2000s | 596 | 51 |
| 2010s | 561 | 24 |
| 2020s | 280 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Rikki is a diminutive name that has been recorded in U.S. birth data since 1943. Its peak came in 1994, when it ranked highest in popularity; since then, it has been falling in use. In 2025, it ranked 3100 nationally, with approximately 1 in 30,909 newborns receiving the name. The name saw particular concentration in New Jersey and New York. Often a nickname for Frederica or a variant of Ricky, Rikki carries a casual, spunky feel. While associated with the meaning 'peaceful ruler' through Frederica, it stands comfortably on its own as a modern, short given name.
Rikki is primarily a diminutive of Frederica, the feminine form of Frederick, from Old English elements meaning 'peace' and 'ruler'. It also functions as a feminine variant of Ricky, itself a nickname for Richard or Rick. Recorded since 1943 in U.S. data, it saw peak popularity in 1994 before declining.
Where Rikki 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: Rik, Ri
Sibling names for Rikki
Names that share Rikki's style, for a brother or sister.
