Richard Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Richard come from? What does the surname Richard mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Richard and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Rick, Pritchard, Recker, Reichard, Reick, Reisert, Reitz, Ricard, Ricardo, Riccardo, Richards, Richardson, Richardt, Richart, Richer, Richhart, Rickaby, Rickard, Rickerson, Rickman, Riechers, Rischar, Risko, Ritchhart, Ritchison, Ritscher, Ritz, Ritzel, Ryherd
Surname Richard Origin: What does the last name Richard mean?
The surname Richard has a long history, originating from France in the early 10th century. It has since spread to other countries, with significant records found in the United Kingdom by the 11th century. The surname saw a notable increase in England during the 15th century and continued to grow in popularity in the following centuries. By the 17th century, the surname Richard had a strong presence in Canada, eventually becoming more prominent in the United States by the 19th century. Today, the Richard surname is globally distributed, with high frequencies in countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and France.
YourRoots data confirms the early presence of the Richard surname in the United Kingdom since the 10th century, with a steady expansion across various countries over the centuries. The surname is now found in diverse regions worldwide, including India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, Nigeria, and more. This widespread distribution of the Richard surname reflects its enduring legacy and continued evolution in different cultures and societies.
Richard Last Name History: Where did the last name Richard come from?
Origin of Richard Surname: Where does the last name Richard originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Richard first appeared in records from France around the early 10th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Richard" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Richard: What does the Richard surname history look like in the early days?
The "Richard" surname remained closely associated with France in its early records. However, by the 11th century, the frequency of the Richard surname started to grow notably in the United Kingdom, specifically in England and Wales. The 15th century saw a significant increase in Richard records in England, a trend that continued into the 16th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Richard surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Richard surname had grown significantly in Canada, surpassing both France and the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th century. By the 19th century, however, the United States had overtaken Canada as the country with the most Richard records. Today, the "Richard" surname is found globally, with a high frequency in countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and France.
Explore Richard last name heritage and Richard surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Richard Surame?
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman (Dec 5, 1932 - May 9, 2020) known as Little Richard, was an influential American singer and pianist. He is considered the "Architect of Rock and Roll" for his dynamic music and showmanship, influencing generations of musicians across various genres.
Lena Richard
Lena Richard (Marie Aurina Paul; Sep 9, 1892 - Nov 27, 1950) was a pioneering chef, cookbook author, and TV host. She was the first Black woman to host her own cooking show in 1949. Richard's culinary skills and dedication to promoting Creole cuisine made her a trailblazer in the food industry.
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