indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from nickname, from given name & from location)
Other Forms FormsRich, Riche, Ritche, Ritchin, Ritchings, and Richman (English); Ruiche, Leriche, Ricq, (France); Ricci, Ricco, Richi, Richichi (Italy); Reich and Reicher, (Germany); Rico and Rica (Spain)
Meaning & History
This surname has at least three distinct separate origins. Firstly, it may have developed from a nickname for a wealthy man, derived from pre 9th century Old French term "riche", meaning wealthy. Secondly, the origin may be from a short form of the (originally) Germanic male personal name Richard. This very popular name was composed of the elements "ric", meaning power, with "hard", meaning hardy, brave, or strong. Finally, it may be of topographical or locational origins from the Germanic and also Olde English term "ric", meaning a stream or channel, and hence indicating residence by such a stream. As a locational name it may derive from any place named with the element "ric", such as the ancient village now called Glynde Reach in the English county of Sussex, or from a now "lost" place such as the former village of Riche in Leicestershire. Early recordings include:
Mosse le Riche of Gloucestershire in 1195,
Ricardus de la Riche of Hampshire in 1200. The first recorded spelling of the family name is possibly that of Godwinus le Riche. This was dated 1177.
Mosse le Riche of Gloucestershire in 1195,
Ricardus de la Riche of Hampshire in 1200. The first recorded spelling of the family name is possibly that of Godwinus le Riche. This was dated 1177.