The name Richelle is a French feminine form of the male name Richard, which is derived from the Germanic name Rikharthu. Rikharthu is composed of the elements ric, meaning "powerful" or "ruler," and harthu, meaning "brave" or "hardy." The name Richard gained popularity in France during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century and eventually spread throughout Europe.

Richelle emerged as a distinct feminine form of Richard in the 13th century. It was initially used in French-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in France and parts of Belgium. The earliest recorded instances of the name Richelle can be found in French historical documents and records from this period.

One of the earliest known references to the name Richelle is in the 13th-century French epic poem "Le Roman de la Rose," written by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun. In the poem, a character named Richelle is mentioned, though details about her are scarce.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Richelle. One of the earliest was Richelle de Montbard (c. 1210-1270), a French noblewoman who was a prominent figure in the court of King Louis IX of France. Another early bearer of the name was Richelle de Beauvais (c. 1250-1320), a French poet and writer who composed religious works and poetry in the vernacular language.

In the 16th century, Richelle de Charolais (1501-1565) was a prominent figure in the court of the Dukes of Burgundy. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Margaret of Austria and was known for her skills in embroidery and needlework.

During the 17th century, Richelle de Montespan (1640-1707) was a French noblewoman and the most famous mistress of King Louis XIV of France. She was influential in court politics and was known for her intelligence and wit.

In more recent times, Richelle Carey (1947-present) is an American singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the pop group The Mamas & the Papas.

While the name Richelle has its roots in French language and culture, it has since been adopted and used in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. However, its historical origins and early usage can be traced back to the medieval period in French-speaking regions of Europe.