Ricci is a Italian surname that originated from the Latin word "ricus," which means "curl." It was originally given as a nickname to someone with curly hair or a person who curled their hair in an elaborate style.
The name Ricci is believed to have been brought to Italy by Roman soldiers who had served in the Eastern Mediterranean. Over time, it became more commonly used as a given name rather than just a surname.
In the Middle Ages, the Ricci family was prominent in Florence, Italy, and several members of the family held important positions in the city's government. The most famous member of the Ricci family was Galileo Galilei, who was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564 and is considered one of the founders of modern physics.
Today, Ricci is still a popular name in Italy and has also gained popularity around the world as an Italian-inspired given name for boys. It has a strong and energetic sound that makes it appealing to many parents looking for a unique name with Italian roots.
The name Rici is not among the most common in the United States, but it has had a consistent presence over time. According to U.S. birth records, there were seven babies named Rici born each year in 1989. This means that approximately every three years, on average, one individual shares this unique name.