The name Rikki is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit language, which was the classical language of ancient India and the liturgical language of Hinduism and Buddhism. It is thought to be a diminutive or shortened form of the Sanskrit name Rishikesh, which means "lord of the senses" or "sacred hairs."

In Sanskrit literature, the name Rishikesh is associated with the Hindu god Vishnu and is also the name of a famous pilgrimage town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The town of Rishikesh is located in the Himalayan foothills and is revered for its spiritual significance, with many ashrams and temples located along the banks of the sacred Ganges River.

The earliest recorded use of the name Rikki can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it appeared as a character in Rudyard Kipling's famous book "The Jungle Book." In the book, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is the name of a brave and resourceful mongoose who protects a family from a pair of venomous cobras.

One of the earliest notable figures to bear the name Rikki was Rikki Fulton, a Scottish comedian and actor who was born in 1924 and passed away in 2004. He was known for his iconic comedy sketches and appearances on British television.

Another famous Rikki was Rikki Leander, a Swedish actress and singer who was born in 1935 and died in 2003. She was a prominent figure in the Swedish film industry and was known for her roles in several popular musicals.

In the world of music, Rikki Rockett is the name of the drummer for the American rock band Poison. He was born in 1961 and has been a member of the band since its formation in the early 1980s.

Rikki Lee Travolta is an American actress and singer who was born in 1981. She is the daughter of actor John Travolta and has appeared in several films and television shows.

Finally, Rikki Don't Lose That Number is the title of a popular song by the American rock band Steely Dan, released in 1974. The song's catchy name helped to popularize the name Rikki in the United States and other parts of the world.