Richens
An English surname derived from the personal name Richard, meaning powerful or rich.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 480 Americans carry the last name Richens. That puts it at #51,512 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.14 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 714,072 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Richens surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
480
1 in 714,072
Census rank
#51,512
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
404
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 404 bearers of the surname Richens in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.14 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 51512th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Richens, the largest self-reported group is White at 93.3%. The next largest groups are Black (2.2%) and Two or More Races (2.0%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Richens
The surname Richens is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word "ricca," which means "powerful" or "wealthy." This suggests that the name was likely given to someone who was affluent or held a position of authority.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a person named Richard le Riche is mentioned. This spelling variation, "le Riche," provides insight into the name's evolution over time.
In the 14th century, the name appeared in various forms, including Ryche, Riche, and Rych. These variations were likely a result of regional dialects and the lack of standardized spelling during that period.
The Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of land ownership in England compiled in 1086, does not contain any direct references to the surname Richens. However, it does mention individuals with the name Riche or similar spellings, indicating that the name was present during the Norman period.
One notable historical figure with the surname Richens was Sir Thomas Richens (1605-1678), an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire. He played a role in the English Civil War and was a supporter of the Parliamentarian cause.
Another individual of note was John Richens (1649-1712), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works, including "A Treatise on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper."
In the 18th century, the name Richens appeared in various places across England, including Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Oxfordshire. One notable individual from this period was Richard Richens (1720-1798), a prominent architect who designed several churches and public buildings in Gloucestershire.
Moving into the 19th century, the name Richens was associated with notable figures such as Reverend William Richens (1801-1878), a clergyman and author who served as the Rector of Bredwardine in Herefordshire.
Lastly, one of the more recent individuals with the surname Richens was Arthur Richens (1859-1945), a British architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Piccadilly Hotel and the former headquarters of the Royal Automobile Club.
While the surname Richens may not be among the most common in England, its rich history and varied spellings over the centuries provide insight into the country's linguistic and cultural evolution.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Richens
Among Census respondents with the surname Richens, the largest self-reported group is White at 93.3%. The next largest groups are Black (2.2%) and Two or More Races (2.0%).
The bar chart below shows how Richens bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Richens surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White93.3%
- Black or African American2.2%
- Two or more races2.0%
- Hispanic or Latino1.7%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Richens surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #51,512 | #51,512 | 0.0% |
| Count | 404 | 404 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Richens bearers went from 404 to 404 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #51,512 to #51,512.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Richens
FAQ
Richens surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Richens?
The surname Richens holds position #51,512 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 480 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.14 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Richens surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Richens, the largest self-reported group is White at 93.3%. The next largest groups are Black (2.2%) and Two or More Races (2.0%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.