Richards is a unique and distinctive given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh surname Richards, which is an anglicized form of the Welsh name ap Rhys. The name ap Rhys means "son of Rhys," where Rhys is another Welsh name that translates to "ardor" or "enthusiasm."
The name Richards has a rich history and has been used for centuries in Wales. It was originally used as a patronymic surname, indicating that the bearer was the son of a man named Rhys. Over time, however, the name began to be used as a given name as well.
Richards is not particularly common today, but it has been used consistently throughout history. Some notable individuals with the name Richards include American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie, Canadian politician Kim Richards, and British actor David Richards.
In terms of popularity, Richards has never been among the most popular names in any English-speaking country. However, it does appear occasionally in baby name rankings. For example, in 2018, Richards was given to six boys in England and Wales, ranking at number 4,976 overall for that year.
Overall, Richards is a unique and interesting given name with a rich history and distinct meaning. While not particularly common today, it has been used consistently throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
Statistics on the given name Richards in the United States are as follows:
From 1912 to 1941, there was a steady but low number of births each year, ranging from 5 to 6 births per year. The highest number during this period was recorded in 1925 with 11 births.
After a gap of nearly three decades, the name Richards made a comeback in 1951 and 1953 with 5 births each year. This trend continued into the next decade, with 6 births in 1954 and peaking at 7 births in 1959.
The popularity of the name Richards dipped again in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with only 5 births recorded in 1983.
Over the entire period from 1912 to 1983, there were a total of 119 births with the given name Richards in the United States. These statistics demonstrate that while the name Richards has not been exceptionally popular over time, it has maintained a consistent presence in American naming trends.