Richards Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Richards come from? What does the surname Richards mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Richards and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Richards Origin: What does the last name Richards mean?
Richards is a Celtic Welsh or Cornish surname that originated from the Germanic words ric, meaning "power," and hard, meaning "brave" or "hardy." In the early 14th century, the surname Richards was first documented in the United Kingdom, particularly England. Over the centuries, it spread to Wales, Cornwall, and adjacent South-West counties of England. By 1998, many Welsh and Cornish individuals with the Richards surname had migrated to cities in England, especially those near their original regions.
YourRoots data confirms the early presence of the Richards surname in the United Kingdom, dating back to the 14th century. As time passed, the surname expanded across various countries, with the United States emerging as a prominent location for individuals with the Richards surname by the 16th century. Today, the Richards surname can be found in numerous countries globally, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, showcasing its widespread presence and enduring legacy.
Richards Last Name History: Where did the last name Richards come from?
Origin of Richards Surname: Where does the last name Richards originate from?
Our YourRoots dataset shows that the earliest record of the surname Richards can be found in the United Kingdom, specifically England. This record dates back to the early 14th century. It's important to note that this only pertains to the exact spelling of "Richards" in our YourRoots database and doesn't include possible variations of the surname or other sources.
History of the Last Name Richards: What does the Richards surname history look like in the early days?
The Richards surname was initially closely associated with England. From the 14th to the 15th century, the volume of records for the Richards surname grew notably in the United Kingdom. The 16th century witnessed a shift in the prevalence of the surname, with the United States beginning to emerge as a prominent location for the Richards surname. This trend continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, as reflected in our YourRoots data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Richards surname today?
By the 19th century, the United States had overtaken the United Kingdom in terms of volume of records for the Richards surname, and this trend continued into the 20th century. Today, the Richards surname can be found in several countries, primarily the United States, but also in the United Kingdom and other countries across the globe. These include Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, reflecting the global spread of the surname.
Explore Richards last name heritage and Richards surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Richards Surame?
Denise Richards
Denise Lee Richards (born Feb 17, 1971) is an American actress, television personality, and model known for her roles in films like Starship Troopers, Wild Things, and The World Is Not Enough. She has appeared in various genres from comedy to drama and has also starred in TV shows like Blue Mountain State and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Richards has showcased her versatility in both acting and reality TV, captivating audiences with her charm and talent.
Keith Richards
Keith Richards (born Dec 18, 1943) is an English musician, songwriter, and record producer known as an original member of the Rolling Stones. With a career spanning over six decades, Richards is renowned for his guitar playing style and songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger. He's been inducted into multiple music halls of fame and ranked among the greatest guitarists by Rolling Stone magazine. Richards also appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean films as Captain Teague, inspiring the character of Jack Sparrow's father. His rebellious image and musical contributions have solidified his legacy in rock history.
Kyle Richards
Kyle Egan Richards Umansky (January 11, 1969 - present) is an American actress, socialite, and television personality. She rose to fame as a child actress, starring in iconic horror films such as "Halloween" and "The Watcher in the Woods." Richards is best known for her role on the reality TV series "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," where she has been a main cast member since 2010. In addition to her acting career, she has participated in various charity events and competitions, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Michael Richards
Michael Anthony Richards (July 24, 1949 - ) is an American actor known for his iconic role as Cosmo Kramer on the hit NBC sitcom Seinfeld from 1989 to 1998. Richards started his career as a stand-up comedian, gaining fame for his quirky and hilarious portrayal of Kramer. He won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance on Seinfeld and made guest appearances on various TV shows. Despite facing controversies later in his career, Richards remains a talented actor with a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
Micah Richards
Micah Lincoln Richards (June 24, 1988 - present) is an English football pundit and former professional player known for his time with Manchester City and Aston Villa. Richards won a Premier League title and an FA Cup during his ten seasons at Manchester City, making 245 appearances. He also played for the England national team and participated in the 2012 Olympic football tournament. After retiring in 2019 due to injuries, Richards transitioned to a successful career as a football pundit, sharing his insights and analysis of the sport.
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