The name Richards is of German origin, derived from the given name Richard, which means "strong" or "powerful." It is composed of two elements: "ric," meaning "power," and "-hard," meaning "strong, brave, hardy." Richards was historically more popular in England than its source name Richard. In the late 19th century, Richards peaked as a top 200 name for newborn boys in the United States but has since become less common. Today, it is more frequently encountered as a surname. Notable individuals with the first name Richards include English cricket player Richards Hadlee and American football coach Rich Rodriguez.
"Despite fluctuations over time, the name Richards has remained somewhat popular with an average of about six births per year since 1912, with a notable peak of eleven births in 1925."