Recorded in over one hundred spelling forms ranging from the German Reichardt, Richardi, and Richar, the English Richard, the French Ricard, the Flemish Rickaert, and diminutives or patronymics such as Riccardi, Liccardi, Richards, Richardson, Richardeau, Rickertssen and many others, this ancient surname is of pre 7th century Germanic origins. Deriving from the twin elements of 'ric' and 'hard', and translating as "powerful ruler", the name spread throughout Europe in the early medieval period.
It was no doubt considerably helped in its popularity by its meaning, but the greatest impetus to its success came in the 12th century with the legendary exploits of King Richard 1st of England, (and much of France). He was the most prominent leader of the famous Crusades to free the Holy Land, and he became known throughout Christendom as 'Coeur de Leon'. Despite his 'title', Richard, Coeur de Leon, was unsuccessful in his attempts to suppress the Muslims, but by his efforts he achieved more than the other leaders, who in the manner of the human race far and wide, were not pleased. Early examples of the surname recording taken from authentic European rolls and registers of the period include: Nicol Richart of Basle, Switzerland, in the year 1260, Richardus Richardi of Pfullingen, Germany in 1273, and Thomas Richard, in the Oxfordshire 'Hundred Rolls' of England in 1276. Other recordings from these ancient times include Thomas Richardes of Worcester, England in 1327, and Olbrecht Reichart of Dresden, Germany, in 1396. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop", often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
It derives from the name Riccardo taken from the Provençal Richart which has Germanic origins and means "rich, powerful".
The surname Riccardi is widespread throughout peninsular Italy.
Riccardelli is typical of the province of Latina.
Riccardini is quite rare.
Ricardo is very rare.
The history of the surname riccardi is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of riccardi. Research into the possible origins of riccardi leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.
It is common for surnames like riccardi to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that riccardi has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where riccardi is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname riccardi can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of riccardi. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named riccardi are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname riccardi, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of riccardi could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all riccardis who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname riccardi, even though not all have been documented to our present day.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname riccardi. The bibliography collects information related to the surname riccardi, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of riccardi, and at the same time, of surnames in general.