Surname Ricard - Meaning and Origin
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Ricard: What does the surname Ricard mean?
The surname Ricard is of Old German origin and is derived from the personal name Richard, which means "brave ruler". Composed of the elements "ric", which means "ruler, power", and "hard", which means "hardy, brave, strong", it was introduced into England by the Normans in the form Ric(h)ard, and was extremely popular during the Middle Ages. Therefore, the surname Ricard can symbolize being a descendant of a brave and strong ruler. It's a hereditary surname existing in many countries including France, Spain, and England. It may also have variations in different cultures, such as Richard in English or Ricardo in Spanish and Italian. In some instances, the surname might be locational, derived from any various places named with the Old German elements "ric" and "hard". Over the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to develop, often leading to astonishing variants of the original Ricard spelling.
Order DNA origin analysisRicard: Where does the name Ricard come from?
The last name Ricard is known to have originated from France, and is most commonly found in France today. However, it can also be found in other parts of Europe and beyond.
In France, the most common provinces to find the name Ricard are Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes, Midi-Pyrénées, Corsica and Languedoc-Roussillon. Outside of France, many people with the last name Ricard can be found in Belgium, Spain, Germany and the United States. In Canada, where many French settlers journeyed, the last name Ricard can also be found in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
The spelling of Ricard can also be transliterated in various other ways, making it more widespread. Variants of Ricard include Ricart, Ricciard, Ricciardi, Riccio, Ricciotti, Ricciotti, Riccio, Ricciotti, Ricourt, and Reichert.
Although the name is most common in France and French-speaking regions, the prevalence of this name in places such as the United States is strong evidence of the impact French-speaking migrants have had on their new countries. The name Ricard may not be particularly widespread, but those who bear it are proud to do so.
Variations of the surname Ricard
The surname Ricard has a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Ricard is the most common variant of the surname, although variants such as Riott, Riou, Richard, Richards, Riccardi, Riccard, Riccardo, Recon, Reckner, Reccardi, Reccard, Reccardo, Recher, Ritchey and Richey also exist.
The surname Ricard is most commonly found in French countries, such as France and Belgium, and is thought to derive from the name Richard, which was originally derived from a Germanic name meaning ‘strong and brave ruler’. The surname is also found in Hispanic countries, such as Spain, Mexico, Chile and Argentina, and is thought to have been adopted from the French version of the name. As a result, variants of this surname are common in Spanish speaking countries and include Riccardi, Riccard, Riccardo, Recon, Reckner, Reccardi, Reccard, Reccardo and Richey.
In England, the surname Ricard is found with more frequency amongst families of French origin, and is thought to have been brought over to England during wartime or during periods of immigration. Variants of the surname, such as Riott, Riou, Richard, Richards, Ritchey and Reccher, have developed over time and are more commonly found in English speaking countries.
Overall, the surname Ricard has many different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin spread across the world. Many of the variants of the surname reflect its French origin, while others are more commonly found amongst families of Spanish or English origin.
Famous people with the name Ricard
- Maurice Richard, also known as ‘The Rocket’, was a Canadian hockey player who played in the NHL from 1942–1960. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.
- Sam Ricard was a Canadian actor who worked on various television shows and films. He had a recurring role in the Canadian soap opera ‘Riverdale’.
- Caroline Ricard is a French fashion model and influencer who has been featured in numerous magazines, such as Vogue and Elle.
- Andrea Ricard is an American singer-songwriter who has released three albums.
- Paulette Ricard is a French actress, best known for her roles in the films 'The Go Fast' and 'The Children'. 6. Philippe Ricard is a French actor who has had roles in various film and television projects, such as 'Les Visiteurs' and 'La Vérité Si Je Mens!'
- Robert Ricard is a French business executive who is the current chairman of the board of directors of Ricard, a liquor company based in Marseille.
- Jean-Louis Ricard is a French philosopher and theologian who is known for his contributions to Catholic thought.
- Louise Ricard is a Canadian figure skater who has competed in multiple international events and has won silver and bronze medals.
- Antoine Ricard is a French actor and director who has had roles in television series and films, such as 'Les filles de joie' and 'Tireur'.