Surname Rickey - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Rickey: What does the surname Rickey mean?
The surname Rickey is believed to have English origins, more specifically Anglo-Saxon. It is derived from the Old English personal name 'Ricca' combined with the suffix '-ey', which means "island", "water meadow" or "clearing in the woods". The surname may have originally been a topographic name for someone who lived in such areas, or possibly a locational surname referencing a place such as Rickey in Hertfordshire. Over time, however, it evolved into a familial surname, handed down through generations. Like many English surnames, it underwent variations in spelling over its history, including Rickey, Ricke, Rickie, Ricki and others. In some cases, Rickey might also be an Americanized spelling of some German surnames like Riecke. It is important to note that interpretations may vary considering the constant linguistic shifts and regional distinctions within locations where this surname has been historically present.
Order DNA origin analysisRickey: Where does the name Rickey come from?
The last name Rickey is most common in the United States today. According to the United States Census Bureau, it is listed as having been found in over 4,500 households in the nation. It is especially prominent in the state of Missouri, where it is currently listed as the 625th most common surname in the state. Other states where it is found with notable frequency include Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
Rickey is believed to stem from the German and English surname Rikey, which is in turn derived from the Old Norse personal name Riki. It was initially most commonly found in the east coast states of the nation, but its prevalence has steadily spread westward throughout the entire country.
The popularity of the surname Rickey is thought to be partially due to its various spellings, which include Rykiel, Rylke, Rike and Ricki. It is considered a toponym, as it may refer to someone who came from the village of Rike in Sweden, or else the residence of someone who lived on a riverbank. It can also be found as a first name, often in the variant spellings Ricky or Rickey.
Variations of the surname Rickey
The surname Rickey has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Ritchie, Ricci, Ricciardi, Riccio, Richy, Richie, Ricke, Ricki, Rike, Ryke, and Ryki.
Ritchie and Ricci are the two most common variants of the Rickey surname. Ritchie is from Scotland originally and is a nickname for Richard, ultimately derived from the Germanic name “Ricard” meaning “brave power.” Ricci is from the Italian surname originating with the Lombards, who settled in Italy in the late 6th to early 8th centuries. It is believed to be derived from the personal name “Ricco,” which is of uncertain origin.
Ricciardi is a surname derived from the Italian town of Ricciarda. It is believed to have been named after a local nobleman. The Riccio form of the Rickey surname is likely derived from the Italian word “riccio,” meaning “spiky” or “porcupine.” Richie, Ricke, Ricki, Rike, Ryke, and Ryki are all derivatives of the Rickey surname.
The Rickey surname is of Norman origin and is found throughout Europe, but especially in Normandy, England, and Scotland. There are also records of the Rickey surname all over the U.S. and in many parts of the world, making it one of the most widespread surnames of Norman origin.
Famous people with the name Rickey
- Branch Rickey (1881-1965): He was a Major League Baseball executive who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his innovations and vision for the game. His notable accomplishments include creating the first farm system, signing the first African-American player to the major leagues, Jackie Robinson.
- Emma Jo Rickey (born 1988): An actress, she is known for her roles in films such as 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi and Pitch Perfect 2.
- BJ Rickey (born 1990): A professional baseball coach in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rickey is the son of Branch Rickey.
- Edward C. Rickey (1861-1947): son of the original Branch Rickey, Edward was a Major League Baseball outfielder between 1884 and 1886.
- Louise Rickey (1891-1985): Wife of Branch Rickey, she was a philanthropist and philanthropist who co-founded the Pittsburgh Commons, a children's play area.
- Braden Rickey (born 1981): A former professional baseball player, he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks amongst other teams.
- Elaine Rickey (1876-1931): Seen as the matriarch of the Rickey family, she was the mother of Branch Rickey.
- Timothy Branson Rickey (1883-1953): A Major League Baseball pitcher, he played for teams such as the Cleveland Naps and the New York Yankees.
- Judith S Rickey: A former professor at George Washington University School of Medicine, she was a prominent scholar in the area of human genetics.
- Rickey Lyles (born 1961): A professional basketball coach, he is best known for working as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons.