YourRoots by Genomelink
Sign up free
banner

Sign up to explore more

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

Sign up free
Advanced Search Options

Ricks Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Ricks Surname

The surname Ricks is thought to have English origins, potentially derived from a diminutive form of the given name Richard or from a topographical name for someone residing near a hill or ridge. As surnames began to solidify in the late medieval period, Ricks emerged as a distinct family identifier, marking its bearers with a particular lineage and social heritage.

As with many surnames, the Ricks name has evolved and dispersed over time, reflecting broader historical migrations. In the United States, notable individuals such as Earl T. Ricks, a significant figure in the mid-20th century, and Thomas E. Ricks, a respected journalist, have contributed to the surname's visibility. The Ricks family tree has thus intertwined with various cultural and professional fields, including literature, sports, and public service, evidencing the surname's integration into different societal sectors.

The YourRoots dataset supports the historical presence of the Ricks surname, illustrating its spread across both the United States and internationally. This data underscores the surname's continuity from its origins, with documented instances of the Ricks name found in regions influenced by British colonial expansion. The dataset enriches Ricks genealogy by highlighting connections between historical figures and modern descendants, offering valuable insights into family histories.

For researchers delving into Ricks genealogy, YourRoots data provides a comprehensive resource that aligns with historical records, facilitating a deeper understanding of familial links and ancestral paths. This confluence of historical and modern data aids genealogists in piecing together the intricate narrative of the Ricks family tree.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Ricks Family Tree

Search more Ricks trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Ricks for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Ricks Family Lineage

Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Ricks surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.

As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.

Famous People with Ricks (and Their Family Tree)

Bob Ricks

Bob Ricks

Bob Ricks, also known as "Backdraft Bob," is a prominent American law enforcement agent and politician with a distinguished career in Texas and Oklahoma. He served 26 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, notably as Assistant Special Agent in Charge during the 1993 Waco Siege and Special Agent in Charge during the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing investigation. Ricks also held the role of Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security under Governor Frank Keating, overseeing multiple state agencies, and later served as Chief of Police for Edmond, Oklahoma. His career is marked by significant contributions to public safety and security.

Eli Ricks

Eli Ricks

Elias Ricks, born on September 26, 2001, is a standout cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL, known for his impressive performances on the field. After a notable college football career at LSU and Alabama, where he proved his prowess with multiple interceptions and touchdowns, Ricks was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Eagles in 2023. In his rookie season, he made a significant impact by playing in 16 games, recording 19 tackles, and contributing to the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Ricks' journey from a five-star recruit to a Super Bowl champion highlights his determination and skill in professional football.

Melissa Ricks

Melissa Ricks

Melissa Marie Ricks-Macatangay, born on January 9, 1990, is a prominent Filipino actress renowned for her participation in the reality talent search, Star Circle Quest, where she emerged as the 4th runner-up. Her career highlights include significant roles in popular ABS-CBN dramas such as "Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko" and the critically acclaimed "Walang Hanggan." Known for her versatility, Ricks also starred in "Nasaan Ka, Elisa?" and "Tanging Yaman," establishing herself as a household name in Philippine television. Recently, she gained attention for her impressive fitness journey, successfully losing 31 pounds in just eight weeks.

Melissa Ricks was born to Kelly and Josie Ricks in Fontana, California. Her father, Kelly Ricks, holds a prominent position as the president and director of S&R Membership Shopping Philippines. In 2013, Melissa welcomed her first child, Kiera, with former schoolmate Charles Togezaki. She later married Michael Macatangay, with whom she has a daughter named Mikaela, born in 2023.

Christopher Ricks

Christopher Ricks

Sir Christopher Bruce Ricks, born on 18 September 1933, is a distinguished British literary critic and scholar renowned for his expertise in Victorian poetry and the works of Bob Dylan. He holds the William M. and Sara B. Warren Professorship of the Humanities at Boston University and previously served as Professor of Poetry at the University of Oxford from 2004 to 2009. Knighted in 2009, Ricks is celebrated for his traditional approach to literary criticism, emphasizing practical criticism over post-structuralist theories. His notable works include "Keats and Embarrassment" and the definitive edition of Tennyson's poetry, establishing him as a leading figure in the literary world.

Christopher Ricks was born in Beckenham, England, as the younger son of James Bruce Ricks, who was involved in the family overcoat manufacturing business, and Gabrielle (née Roszak), whose father was a furrier of French origin. Ricks's educational journey began at King Alfred's School, Wantage, followed by Balliol College, Oxford, where he became the first in his family to attend university, marking a significant milestone in his family's history.

Tijuana Ricks

Tijuana Ricks

Tijuana Ricks, an accomplished American actress, hails from Metairie, Louisiana. She is best known for her recurring roles in acclaimed series such as Showtime's "Billions," where she portrays Tonelle “T” Burton, and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe TV series "Luke Cage," "Jessica Jones," and "Iron Fist" as reporter Thembi Wallace. Additionally, Ricks has appeared in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" as Dr. Marnie Aiken and "Guiding Light" as Nurse Maggie. Her stage presence is notable with her Broadway debut in "A Time to Kill" and originating the role of Cora Lee in "The Women of Brewster Place." Ricks's diverse talents have also been showcased in film and various television and radio commercials.

Ricks Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Ricks" is associated with various individuals, primarily in the United States, spanning fields such as sports, politics, and academia. It is also linked to several locations and cultural references, including Ricks College in Idaho and fictional settings like Rick's Café from the film Casablanca.

VIEW MORE

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Ricks

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 Ricks family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Ricks surname to learn more.

VIEW MORE

About YourRoots

Family Tree Map

Explore your family tree geographically

Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.

Powerful tools like "Trace Back To Me" instantly map your family's migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.

LEARN MORE
AI Genealogy Research

Discover ancestors beyond "end-of-line" automatically

Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans "end-of-line" ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.

Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you're away.

LEARN MORE
DNA Match

Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests

Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.

View your matches' maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you'll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.

LEARN MORE
Ancestry Reports

Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others

Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.

  • Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
  • Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
  • Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
LEARN MORE