ricky

ricky — noun

1. a male given name, originally a short form or nickname for Richard, now also use

1.nounA2
Definition

a male given name, originally a short form or nickname for Richard, now also used as an independent name.

Example

Ricky asked his teacher for extra help with the maths homework.

proper noun as subject

Elena invited Ricky to join the school basketball team.

proper noun as object

Synonyms
  • Richard

    the formal long form of the name; Ricky is derived from Richard

Grammar Patterns

Ricky + verb

Usage Note

Often used as a familiar or affectionate form of the formal name Richard. Can stand alone as a full given name in modern usage.

Word family

  • Richard
    nounB1
  • Rick
    nounA2
  • Richie
    nounB1

Etymology

Old High GermanEnglish

Ricky originated as a pet form of Richard, which comes from Old High German 'Ricohard' — from 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (brave, strong). The nickname Ricky emerged in English in the 19th–20th centuries as an informal shortening, later gaining popularity as an independent given name, especially in the United States from the mid-20th century.