The name Richard has its origins in the Germanic languages. It is derived from the Germanic words "ric" meaning power or rule, and "hard" meaning brave or hardy. The combined meaning of the name is "brave power" or "powerful leader".

The name first appeared around the 8th century AD as Ricohard in the Frankish Empire, which covered parts of modern-day France, Germany, and the Low Countries. The spelling evolved over time into variations like Richart, Ricardus, and eventually the modern English spelling of Richard.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, who was the King of England from 1189 to 1199. He was a prominent leader during the Third Crusade and is known for his military exploits in the Holy Land.

Another famous historical figure with the name Richard was Richard III, who was the King of England from 1483 to 1485. His reign was marred by controversy, and he was depicted as a villainous character in William Shakespeare's play, "Richard III".

In the realm of literature, Richard is also the name of one of the central characters in Richard Wagner's famous operatic cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen". This Richard is a pivotal figure in the epic tale, which is based on Germanic mythology.

The name Richard has also been borne by several notable scientists and thinkers throughout history. These include Richard Feynman, an American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics (1918-1988), and Richard Dawkins, a British evolutionary biologist and author known for his influential works on evolutionary theory and atheism (born 1941).

Another notable bearer of the name was Richard Burton, a Welsh actor who was renowned for his performances in films such as "Cleopatra" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1925-1984). He was married twice to the actress Elizabeth Taylor, and their tumultuous relationship was widely publicized in the media.