Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Ricardo

      Origin

      Spanish

      Meaning

      Brave Ruler

      Variations

      Ricarda, Ricarlo, Riccardo
      The name Ricardo has its roots in the Spanish language, and it is derived from the Germanic elements ric which means ruler, and hard which means brave or strong. Therefore, the name Ricardo can be translated to mean Brave Ruler. This name has a rich historical background and has been used for centuries to signify strength and courage in leadership.

      In history, the name Ricardo has been prominent across various cultures and periods. It was notably borne by several Spanish and Portuguese monarchs, such as King Ricardo I of Castile and his son, Ricardo II of Castile. These rulers were known for their valor and nobility, embodying the essence of the name's meaning. Furthermore, the name Ricardo has been celebrated in literary works, including William Shakespeare's play Richard III, where the main character, Richard III, is a ruthless yet charismatic leader.

      In modern-day usage, Ricardo remains a popular name in many Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in Portuguese-speaking regions. It conveys a sense of strength and authority, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a powerful name for their child. Additionally, Ricardo has also gained popularity beyond its original cultural boundaries, becoming embraced in various multicultural societies around the world. This expanding usage of the name reflects its enduring appeal and its association with bravery and leadership.

      Based on our records...

      Garcia

      Garcia

      This is the most common surname associated with Ricardo.
      Maria

      Maria

      This is the most common name of those married to a Ricardo.
      Ricardo

      Ricardo

      This is the most common name for a child of a Ricardo.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1900 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ricardo.

      Explore the origins of another name.