French: [ʁiʃaʁ] German: [ˈʁiçaʁt] (Germany) or [ˈriçart] (Austria and Switzerland) The Germanic first or given name Richard derives from German, French, and English ric (ruler, leader, king) and hard (strong, brave), and it therefore means powerful leader. Nicknames include Dick, Dickie, Rich, Richie, Rick, Ricky, Rickey, and others.