The surname Rique is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "ric," meaning rich or powerful. Over time, it became a surname to identify someone who was wealthy or influential. This name can also be found as Ricque in some regions and periods.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Rique
The meaning and origin of the last name Rique
The surname Rique, derived from the Old French word "ric," means "rich" or "wealthy." Originating from France, this name was originally used as a nickname for someone who was prosperous or well-off. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations. It has variations such as Richet, Rick, and Riquet. The surname Rique can be found in various regions of France but is also common among French Canadians due to French colonization efforts in the New World during the 17th century. Today, individuals with the last name Rique can be found across the globe, reflecting the migration patterns and historical connections of this name.
Geographical distribution of the last name Rique
The surname Rique, a variation of Ricque or Rick, is predominantly found in countries with French and Spanish influences due to its origins from these languages. In France, it's relatively common, particularly in the northern regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and Brittany. In Spain, its distribution is more concentrated in regions like Galicia and the Basque Country. Furthermore, a significant number of people with the last name Rique reside in countries with large French or Spanish populations, such as Canada, the United States, and some Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Cuba. While it's not exclusive to these regions, this geographical distribution reflects the historical spread of the surname from its French and Spanish roots.
Variants and spellings of the last name Rique
The surname Rique has several variations and spelling formats across different regions and languages. Here are some of them:
1. Ricque - This is a less common variant of the surname, which may be found in France or other French-speaking countries.
2. Ricky - A more informal or diminutive version of Rique, often used as a given name but can also appear as a surname.
3. Reicki - A possible misspelling or alternative spelling of the original name.
4. Riquet - This variation is found in France and may be an older form of the surname Rique.
5. Rikki - Another informal version of Rique, which can also function as a given name.
6. De Ricque - The addition of "de" indicates a noble lineage or heritage in French, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures.
7. Le Rique - In French culture, adding "Le," "La," or "De" before a surname denotes a place of origin (in this case, Lerique).
8. Ricquez - An alternative spelling of the original surname found in some parts of the world.
9. Rickes - A possible misspelling or variant originating from English-speaking countries.
Famous people with the last name Rique
The Rique family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Carlos Slim Helu, a Mexican business magnate and philanthropist. Known as "el cartero del Millonario" ("the millionaire's mailman"), he started with a small telecommunications company that grew to become America Movil, one of the world's largest mobile phone companies. In 2010, Forbes ranked him the richest person in the world. Another notable figure is French actor Gérard Depardieu, who has appeared in over 180 films and won numerous awards, including a César Award for Best Actor. In recent years, he has become a Russian citizen and received a passport from President Vladimir Putin. Lastly, American singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq, born Charles Ray Wiggins, is known for his work with the band Tony! Toni! Toné! and as a solo artist. He has written and produced songs for numerous artists, including Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder.
Genealogical research on the last name Rique
The surname Rique, originating from France, is derived from the Old French "ric" meaning wealthy or powerful. It is one of the many names that Normans brought to England after the Conquest in 1066. Over time, variations including Ricque, Rick, Rickes, and Ricks emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages. In Spain, Rique is a common surname and may have originated independently from the French name or been adopted by Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and settled in other countries, including France. Notable individuals with the last name Rique include French novelist Jean Richepin, Spanish footballer Fernando Ricksen, and American musician Freddie Ricks. Genealogical research for individuals with this surname may require examination of records from multiple regions, particularly France and Spain, to trace its history effectively.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Riqa" is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "رقة" (riqa) which means "softness" or "gentleness". This last name is commonly found in Arabic-speaking c...
The surname Riqki is of Albanian origin. It is derived from the Albanian word "riqi," meaning "buckwheat." This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who grew or sold...
The surname Riquel has origins that can be traced back to various regions in Spain and France. In Spanish, it is derived from the word "rico," meaning rich or powerful. It could ha...
The surname Riquelme is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for someone who was a squire or page in service to a knight, derived from the Old French ...
The last name "Riquet" is of French origin. It is derived from the Middle French word "riquet" meaning "small stream" or "brook." This surname likely originated as an occupational ...
The surname "Riquez" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the personal name "Enrique", which is the Spanish form of the name Henry. The suffix "-ez" is a common suffix in Spani...
The surname Riquier is of French origin. It is derived from a place name or an occupational name for someone who lived near or came from the village called Riquier, which can be fo...
