The name Ricki is a diminutive form of the masculine name Richard, which originated from the Germanic elements ric (meaning "ruler" or "power") and hard ("brave" or "hardy"). It became popular in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, with Richard I "the Lionheart" being one of the most famous bearers of the name.

In the 12th century, the name Richard appeared in various literary works, such as the Roman de Renart, a collection of satirical fables in Old French. The name's popularity spread across Europe during the Middle Ages, with many rulers and nobility bearing the name, including Richard II of England (1367-1400) and Richard III (1452-1485).

The diminutive form Ricki emerged as a nickname for Richard, particularly in English-speaking countries. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ricki is Ricki Rendich, an English poet and writer who lived in the late 16th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ricki, including:

1. Ricki Lake (born 1968), an American actress and television host best known for her talk show "Ricki Lake."
2. Ricki Herbert (born 1961), a former New Zealand football player and coach who led the national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
3. Ricki Pamies (born 1956), an American author and educator known for her work on multicultural literature and diversity.
4. Ricki Lander (born 1944), a former American professional tennis player who won several Grand Slam doubles titles in the 1960s.
5. Ricki Friedman (1951-2022), an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Ricki Friedman Foundation to support various charitable causes.

While the name Ricki has its roots in the Germanic language, it has been embraced and adapted across various cultures and regions, becoming a popular diminutive form of the name Richard.