Rico is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the word "rico," which means "rich" in English. It is often used as a given name but can also be used as a surname.
The name Rico has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including Rico Suave, an American rapper known for his hit song "Rico Suave," and Rico Rodriguez, the young actor who plays Manny Delgado in the television series Modern Family.
In literature, there is also a character named Rico in the novel "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway. This character, Ricardo "Rico" Carleton, is a wealthy American bullfighter living in France during the 1920s.
Overall, the name Rico has been widely used throughout history and across different cultures, reflecting its enduring appeal as a strong and distinctive name choice. Its meaning of "rich" may also contribute to its popularity, as it can symbolize wealth, abundance, or prosperity.
The name Rico experienced a significant increase in popularity from the mid-20th century onwards. Between 1949 and 1961, there was a notable rise in births with the name Rico, jumping from just 6 births in 1948 to an all-time high of 142 births in 1970. This trend continued through the 1970s, with the number of annual births peaking at 318 in 1976. However, since then, the popularity of the name Rico has fluctuated but generally declined, reaching a recent low of 105 births in 2022. Over the entire period from 1915 to 2023, there have been a total of 9736 births with the name Rico.