by Andrea Kreidler

Created on: January 01, 2008

Etymology: Rick is most commonly a shortened version of the name Richard, which comes from the Germanic elements "ric", or king, and "hardt", meaning strong or brave. Rick can also be a form of Frederick or Patrick, both of which mean "peaceful ruler".

Origin & History: The Normans brought the name Richard when they conquered England in 1066. The Middle Ages had 3 English kings; Richard I, Richard II, and Richard III. 'Pet' forms of names, such as Rick for Richard, became widespread in the 1800s.

Popularity: Richard was ranked the 99th most popular name for 2006, but the last time Rick was ranked within the top 1000 was in the year 2000, when it was the 950th most popular name.

Fascinating Facts: There is a Rick's Cafe in Casablanca, Morocco. Rick Sebak made a documentary in 2004 which showed the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, located in Collinsville, Illinois.

Namesakes: Rick Blaine was Humphrey Bogart's character in the film Casablanca and his first romantic lead; earlier films cast Bogart as a gangster. Rick Deckard is a bounty hunter in the book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick and in the movie version; Blade Runner. There is a place called Rick's in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and two towns named Richards, located in Texas and Missouri. "Richard Corey" is a song by Simon and Garfunkel, based on the poem of the same name by Edwin Arlington Robinson.

Famous Persons: Richard I, born September 8, 1157, was a brave warrior, (earning him the name Richard the Lionheart) who revolted twice against his own father, Henry II, for the crown. Upon Henry's death in 1189, Richard became King of England and joined the Third Crusade. Richard's death wound was dealt him by a boy whose family Richard had killed. The boy shot an arrow into Richard's shoulder and the wound developed gangrene. Before his death on April 6, 1199, Richard forgave the boy and gave him 100 shillings.

There are many well-known people with the name Rick. Rick Barry, born Richard Francis Dennis Barry III, on March 28, 1944, played forward for the Golden State Warriors and New York Nets. He was known for his underhanded free throw and was a National Basketball Association All-Star for 8 years. Rick Springfield, whose given name was Richard Lewis Springfield, was born in Sydney, Australia on August 23, 1949. He played Dr. Noah Drake on the soap opera General Hospital and had a hit single in 1981, "Jesse's Girl". His 1983 album, Living in Oz, went platinum. Rick Dees, (real name: Rigdon) is known for his Weekly Top 40 radio show. Ricky or Rick (he later dropped the 'y') Nelson and Rick James (not a true Rick, his first name was James) were singers.

Variant Forms: There are many variations of Rick which add an ending: Ricky, Rickey, Rico (Spanish or Italian), Ricci, Rikki, Rikke (Finnish). Ric is a different spelling. Rikard is the German form of Richard.

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