National Richard Day is observed on June 16 every year. This day is special for you to celebrate with people named Richard. The name Richard is used all over the world. It is a common English, French, and German male name. It is also used in more than two languages, particularly Germanic, such as Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic, and Dutch, as well as other languages including Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Finnish. Read on to learn more about this name that has been popular across the world.
History of National Richard Day
The meaning of this name is ‘brave ruler’ since it derives from the Germanic elements ric ‘ruler, mighty’ and hard ‘brave, hardy.’ It was the Normans who introduced this name to Britain, and it has been very common and popular since that time. Its popularity grew since three kings of England including Richard I the Lionheart, one of the leaders of the Third Crusade in the twelfth century.
During the Late Middle Ages, the most common names were John, William, Robert, and Thomas, and Richard was among them, of course. Through to the modern era, it remained fairly popular, peaking in the U.S. in the 1940s and the U.K. a bit later, and steadily declining since that time. Richard is cognate with variants of the name in different European languages, such as the Catalan ‘Ricard,’ Swedish ‘Rickard,’ and the Italian ‘Riccardo,’ among others.
Famous bearers of the name Richard include two German opera composers called Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss, as well as British explorer Sir Richard Burton, U.S. President Richard Nixon, U.S. physicist Richard Feynman, British actor Richard Burton, and U.S. musician Little Richard. Richard is a boy’s name that is still quite popular in the Christian religion. It is also commonly used in Spain and Portugal as Ricardo.
National Richard Day timeline
Richard I is an important Christian commander during the Third Crusade and leads the campaign after the departure of Philip II of France.
He becomes king at only 10 years old, after his father’s untimely death, and rules for 22 years.
He only reigns for 777 days, and his achievements are considerable since his legislation was the first to be published in English and the first to be printed.
He is an English statesman and the second and last Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England.
National Richard Day FAQs
Is Richard a famous name in the U.S.?
Richard was the sixth most popular U.S. boy’s name in 1925 and was still number eight in 1950, but nowadays, it is much less popular.
Is Richard an old name?
Yes, it is. The Normans introduced this name to Britain, and it has been very common there since that time.
Is there a female version of the name Richard?
Richard can form only two feminine names – Ricarda and Richenda.
National Richard Day Activities
Learn about England’s history
As seen, England had many kings named Richard. This day could be an opportunity to search for information about the history of England and its kings.
Watch a movie
You will discover that there are many famous actors named Richard. You are literally spoilt for choice so pick a couple of movies, get your popcorn ready and enjoy!
Think of middle names with Richard
You can also plan some kind of game with your friends. You will have to think of possible middle names that go with ‘Richard’ and the one that gets more votes wins the game!
5 Famous People Called Richard
Richard Nixon
Born Richard Milhous Nixon, he was the 37th President of the U.S. from 1969 to 1974.
Richard Branson
Formally known as Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, he is the multi-billionaire owner of the Virgin Group which is a conglomerate of more than 400 companies.
Richard Gere
Born Richard Tiffany Gere, this famous American actor has graced our screens since the 1970s and has been a leading man in numerous movies.
Richard Strauss
Classical music lovers will know the work of this German composer and conductor who was also a pianist and violinist.
Richard Acland
Titled Sir Richard Thomas Dyke Acland, he used his title and connections to speak up and campaigned for nuclear disarmament in the U.K.
Why We Love National Richard Day
An opportunity for the music
This day is an opportunity for you to get to know new music. If you have never listened to some Latin singer called Ricardo, this could be the perfect plan.
An opportunity to take your day off
If you have the chance, you can take the day off and plan a meal or activity with a friend of yours called Richard. This is a special day for him, so you better arrange a good plan to spend the day together.
It is a popular name
With its spelling variations, Richard is a name that is used in almost every corner of the world. This is quite interesting since you can get to know different cultures by searching for famous Richards.
National Richard Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 16 | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 16 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 16 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 16 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | June 16 | Friday |
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