Find out how popular the first name Ritchie has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ritchie by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ritchie is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 28 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ritchie.

The history of the first name Ritchie

The name Ritchie is derived from the Old English word "ric," meaning "powerful" or "wealthy." This name has its origins in England and Scotland, where it was commonly used during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ritchie can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This document mentions several individuals with the name, indicating its widespread use at the time.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Ritchie de Bury was a prominent clergyman and bibliophile who served as the Bishop of Durham. He is best known for his work in collecting and preserving ancient manuscripts, which earned him the title "the first English collector of books."

During the 16th century, a Scottish nobleman named Ritchie Bannatyne played a significant role in preserving Scottish literary heritage. He compiled a collection of poems and songs known as the Bannatyne Manuscript, which is considered one of the most important sources of early Scottish literature.

In the 18th century, Ritchie Monckton was a British politician and military officer who served as the Governor of Nova Scotia from 1767 to 1776. He played a crucial role in the development of the colony and the establishment of its governing institutions.

Another notable figure with the name Ritchie is Ritchie Valens, an American singer and songwriter of Mexican descent. Born in 1941, Valens achieved fame with his hit songs "La Bamba" and "Donna." Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he died in a plane crash at the age of 17, known as "The Day the Music Died."

Throughout history, the name Ritchie has been associated with individuals from various backgrounds, including clergy, nobility, politicians, military personnel, and artists. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its strong and powerful connotations, reflecting the name's rich heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ritchie was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ritchie, please contact us.

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