It was borne by three kings of England including the 12th-century Richard I the Lionheart, one of the leaders of the Third Crusade. During the late Middle Ages this name was typically among the five most common for English males (with John, William, Robert and Thomas). King Richard I, better known as Richard the Lionheart, was a central figure during the Third Crusade and remains a symbol of knightly chivalry.

Understanding the Context

Because of its royal pedigree, the name never truly fell out of fashion, remaining a staple in the Western world for nearly a thousand years. What does Richard mean? Richard as a boys' name is pronounced RICH-erd. It is of Old German origin, and the meaning of Richard is "powerful leader".

Key Insights

Norman name commonly used for the last 900 years except in the 19th century. England's King Richard Coeur de Lion gave the name lasting impressions of kingliness and the exploits of a Crusader knight. Richard has English, French, German, and Dutch roots. It has a rich history as the name of three Kings of England, including Richard I the Lionheart who lead the Third Crusade in the 12th Century. Richard is also a popular name for fictional characters.

Final Thoughts

For example, Richard Gilmore is Lorelai’s father and Rory’s grandfather in the popular teen show Gilmore Girls. What is the meaning of the name Richard? Discover the origin, popularity, Richard name meaning, and names related to Richard with Mama Natural’s fantastic baby names guide.