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Last Name Ricardo

What is the origin of the last name Ricardo?

The surname "Ricardo" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the given name "Ricardo," which is a variant of the name "Richard." The name "Richard" itself comes from the Old High German name "Ricohard," which means "powerful leader" or "brave ruler." The surname "Ricardo" likely originated as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from someone named Ricardo.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ricardo

The meaning and origin of the last name Ricardo

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Geographical distribution of the last name Ricardo

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Variants and spellings of the last name Ricardo

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Famous people with the last name Ricardo

One famous person with the last name Ricardo is David Ricardo, an influential economist who is known for his theory of comparative advantage. Born in 1772, Ricardo's ideas have had a lasting impact on the field of economics and are still studied and debated today. Another well-known figure with the last name Ricardo is Desi Arnaz, a Cuban-born American actor, musician, and television producer. Arnaz is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the classic sitcom "I Love Lucy," which he co-starred in with his wife, Lucille Ball. Together, they formed the iconic couple that captured the hearts of viewers around the world. Arnaz's legacy as an entertainer and businessman continues to be celebrated long after his passing in 1986.

Genealogical research on the last name Ricardo

The last name Ricardo is of Spanish and Portuguese origin and is derived from the personal name Ricardo, which is a variant of the name Richard. The name Richard comes from the Old Germanic elements "ric" meaning "power" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "strong." The surname Ricardo has been found in records dating back to the 12th century in Spain, particularly in regions such as Catalonia and Castile. The name spread to Portugal during the period of the Reconquista when the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula pushed back the Moors. Descendants of the surname Ricardo have also been found in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, where individuals of Spanish and Portuguese descent have settled. Today, the surname Ricardo is still commonly found in Hispanic communities around the world.

Sources & References

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NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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