The given name Richy originates from the English language, deriving from the Old English/Anglo-Saxon name "Richard". This name itself has its roots in the Germanic words "ric" (meaning power, rule) and "hard" (brave, hardy, strong). The name came into widespread use during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Richy is a diminutive or nickname form of Richard, which was popularized in England and other English-speaking regions. It became a common way to shorten or informally address someone named Richard, much like "Rich" or "Richie".

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Richy can be found in the 13th-century medieval poem "The Owl and the Nightingale", where it is used as a reference to a person named Richard. However, it is difficult to ascertain whether this was an actual person or a literary character.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the first name Richy, although it has been less common than the full form Richard. One such individual was Richy Sexton (1556-1616), an English Roman Catholic martyr who was executed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another prominent figure was Richy Havens (1941-2013), an American folk singer and guitarist known for his influential performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969. He was born Richard P. Havens, but adopted the nickname Richy early in his career.

In the realm of sports, Richy Jordan (1917-2009) was an English professional footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, including Charlton Athletic and Queens Park Rangers, in the 1930s and 1940s.

Richy Müller (born 1955) is a German actor and producer, best known for his portrayal of the detective Thilo Tschentscher in the long-running crime series "Tatort". He has had a successful career in both television and film since the 1980s.

Lastly, Richy Valance (1954-2015) was a Welsh singer-songwriter and musician, who achieved popularity in the 1970s as the lead singer of the rock band The Mexico Kid. He released several solo albums later in his career, cementing his place in the Welsh music scene.