Origin and Meaning of Dick

Strong ruler; the people's leader

Origin: English - Originally a diminutive form of the name Richard, which is derived from the Old High German ' rik', meaning 'ruler', and 'hard', meaning 'brave' or 'strong'.

• Dick was a very popular name in the 19th and early 20th centuries but has since declined in use, partly due to its modern slang connotation.
• In some cultures, the name is still viewed positively, particularly among older generations who associate it primarily with its historical roots.
• Notable bearers of the name include Dick Van Dyke, an American actor, and comedian, and Richard Nixon, often referred to by his nickname, Dick.
• The name fell out of favor in the late 20th century, largely because of its use as a slang term for male genitalia and has since become rare in baby name registries.
• Variations and diminutives that stem from Richard include Rick, Richie, and Ritchie, which have seen more popularity in recent years.