Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Advanced Search Options

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Rickard Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Rickard Surname

The Rickard surname is of European origin, primarily recognized as an English surname and a masculine given name in Sweden. Closely related to the given name Richard, and the surnames Rickards and Richards, Rickard has historical roots that trace back to England. The surname signifies a connection to a notable lineage, often associated with individuals who carried significant roles in their communities.

Over the centuries, the Rickard surname evolved and spread geographically. Initially documented in England during the early 15th century, it grew in prominence as families expanded and established themselves in various regions. By the 17th century, the name had crossed the Atlantic, with many Rickard families seeking new beginnings in the United States. This transatlantic migration marked a pivotal expansion, embedding the Rickard surname into the cultural tapestry of North America.

YourRoots data enriches the understanding of the Rickard family tree by confirming the surname's early presence in England. It highlights the growth of Rickard families from the 15th century onwards, aligning with known historical patterns. The data also emphasizes the surname's spread to North America in the 17th century, further supporting the narrative of migration and adaptation through the centuries.

For those researching Rickard genealogy, YourRoots offers a valuable resource, providing insights into ancestral connections and the global distribution of Rickard records. This continuity of data empowers family history enthusiasts to trace the Rickard lineage and uncover the rich stories woven into their family tree.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Rickard Family Tree

Search more Rickard trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Rickard for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Rickard Family Lineage

Origin of the Rickard Family: Where does the Rickard surname come from?

The Rickard surname first appeared in historical records during the early 15th century in England, marking the beginnings of a significant family lineage. This early documentation provides a foundation for the genealogy of the Rickard family, connecting descendants to their ancestral roots in the United Kingdom. As families began to branch out, these origins set the stage for the expansion of the Rickard name across generations and geographies.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Rickard

In the ensuing centuries, the Rickard family began to establish itself more prominently, particularly in England where the name saw considerable growth during the late 15th century. As families settled in various regions, they began to create branches of their family trees, often tied to local communities and trades. The emergence of these family lines during this period highlights the interconnectedness of the Rickard families as they laid down roots in different parts of England.

By the 17th century, the Rickard surname began to migrate across the Atlantic, with many families seeking new opportunities in the United States. This migration was a pivotal moment in the Rickard family history, marking the start of a significant presence in North America. The establishment of Rickard family branches in the United States during this time reflects the broader patterns of migration that characterized the era, contributing to the growth and diversification of the family lineage.

Tracing the Rickard Family Tree Through the Centuries

The 18th century saw further expansion of the Rickard surname throughout the United States, with families increasingly establishing themselves in various states and regions. As the 19th century progressed, the frequency of the Rickard name surged, indicating a thriving community of Rickards contributing to the fabric of American society. This growth not only showcases the resilience of the Rickard families but also their adaptability as they integrated into the cultural landscape of their new homeland.

In the 20th century, the Rickard surname continued to flourish, with families maintaining strong connections to their heritage while also embracing modern developments. The global spread of the Rickard name is evident in many regions, reflecting a vibrant and diverse family history. As descendants seek to connect with their roots, the narrative of the Rickard family tree becomes a compelling journey through time and place.

Where to Find Rickard Genealogy Records Today

Today, the Rickard surname can be found across various regions, with significant concentrations in the United States and continuing ties to their English origins. In the early 21st century, families with the Rickard name are encouraged to explore genealogy records available through the YourRoots database, providing valuable insights into their ancestral connections. By delving into these records, individuals can

Famous People with Rickard (and Their Family Tree)

Laurence Rickard

Laurence Rickard, born on June 14, 1975, is a renowned English actor, writer, and comedian. He is celebrated for his work with the Them There collective, notably co-creating and starring in "Horrible Histories," "Yonderland," and "Ghosts." Rickard has also contributed to various UK comedy shows, including "The Armstrong and Miller Show" and "The Charlotte Church Show." His portrayal of 'Special Correspondent' Bob Hale in "Horrible Histories" and co-writing of the film "Bill" highlight his versatile talents. In 2024, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Brunel University London for his contributions to television and education.

Tex Rickard

George Lewis "Tex" Rickard was a pioneering American boxing promoter and founder of the New York Rangers in the NHL. Born on January 2, 1870, Rickard became influential in the sports world during the 1920s, building the third Madison Square Garden in New York City. He was likened to P. T. Barnum and Don King for his promotional skills and recognized for creating the star system in sports. Rickard's ventures included successful saloons, hotels, and casinos in Alaska, Nevada, and Canada. He also managed a substantial cattle ranch in Paraguay and was involved in staging the historic 1910 boxing match between James J. Jeffries and Jack Johnson.

Tex Rickard was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Sherman, Texas, after his family moved when he was four. Following the death of his father, Rickard's mother relocated to Henrietta, Texas. Rickard's early life was marked by challenges, including the deaths of his first wife, Leona Bittick, and their infant son, Curtis, in 1895. He later married Edith Mae Haig, and they had a daughter, Bessie, who died in 1907.

Steve Rickard

Steve Rickard, born Sydney Mervin "Merv" Batt, was a pioneering figure in New Zealand professional wrestling, known for his roles as a wrestler, trainer, and promoter. During the 1960s and 70s, Rickard competed worldwide, facing off against legends like Ric Flair, Harley Race, and André the Giant. He was a multiple-time NWA Australasian Heavyweight Champion and a record-holder for the NWA British Empire/Commonwealth Championship. Rickard also founded All Star Pro Wrestling and created the long-running TV program "On the Mat," significantly influencing the wrestling scene in New Zealand and beyond.

Steve Rickard grew up in Napier, New Zealand, supporting his family from a young age, which included his mother, younger brother Eddy, and sister Val. He left school at 14 to work multiple jobs.

Matt Rickard

Matthew Rickard, born in 1993, is an English former footballer recognized for his role as a striker. A product of the Plymouth Argyle Centre of Excellence, Rickard made his first-team debut in a match against Oldham Athletic in 2011. Later that year, he moved to the US to join the University of Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Conference, NCAA Division 1. He continued his collegiate career at Oakland University, where he played for the Oakland Golden Grizzlies and twice led them to the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship as Horizon League champions. Post-retirement, Rickard works at Mercedes Benz South West in Exeter.

Eva Rickard

Tuaiwa Hautai "Eva" Rickard, a prominent New Zealand activist born on 19 April 1925, is best known for her pioneering efforts in Māori land rights and women's rights within Māoridom. Her notable achievements include leading the occupation of the Raglan golf course in the 1970s, which resulted in the return of ancestral lands to the Tainui Awhiro peoples. Rickard founded the Mana Māori Movement, advocating for Māori sovereignty and contesting the 2002 general election. An ardent advocate for women's rights, she challenged traditional Māori protocols by encouraging female activists to speak at official gatherings, including marae.

Eva Rickard was born in Te Kōpua, Raglan, as the eighth of 15 children to Riria Rāpana and Honehone Kereopa. Her family roots are deeply tied to the local Māori community, and her upbringing influenced her lifelong dedication to indigenous rights and cultural recognition.

Rickard Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Rickard" is of European origin, closely related to the given name Richard and the surnames Rickards and Richards. It is an English surname and also a masculine Swedish given name.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Rickard

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Rickard family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Rickard surname to learn more.