All about the name RIKKI

Meaning, origin, history.

Rikki is a unique and distinctive name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Hrökkr," which means "drifting" or "floating." This name has a long history, dating back to ancient Viking times when it was used as a byname for warriors who fought with courage and determination.

In Norwegian tradition, Rikki was often given to children born during the stormy season, as it was believed that such babies were destined for adventures and travels across the sea. This association with the weather has led some to interpret the name as meaning "storm" or "tempest."

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Rikki. One of the most famous is Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a mongoose character from Rudyard Kipling's short story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," which appears in his collection "The Jungle Book." This tale has contributed to the name's popularity and recognition worldwide.

Today, Rikki remains an uncommon but captivating choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with deep roots in history and culture. Its meaning, "drifting" or "floating," suggests adaptability and resilience – qualities that have resonated with many throughout time. While it may be less common than some other names, those who bear the name Rikki carry with them a rich heritage and an intriguing story of strength and courage.

See also

Norway

Popularity of the name RIKKI since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Rikki has seen a wide range of popularity over the years in the United States, with birth counts varying significantly from year to year.

In the early-to-mid 20th century, between 1943 and 1959, there were consistently fewer than 20 births per year with the name Rikki. The most notable exceptions were 1948 (25 births) and 1965 (31 births). During this period, the name Rikki was quite uncommon.

Starting in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, however, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Rikki. In 1974, there were 89 births with the name, which more than doubled to 193 births in 1983. The peak popularity of Rikki occurred in 1986 with 216 births that year.

The late 1980s and early 1990s continued this trend of high popularity for the name Rikki, with birth counts ranging from a low of 201 in 1996 to a high of 362 in 1994. However, after 1995, there was another significant decline in the number of babies named Rikki.

Since the mid-1990s, the popularity of the name Rikki has continued to decrease. In recent years, from 2018 to 2023, the birth count has remained relatively stable, ranging between 45 and 70 births per year.

In total, over the entire period from 1943 to 2023, there were 6991 babies born in the United States named Rikki. This demonstrates that while the name has seen periods of significant popularity, it has not maintained consistent high popularity throughout the years.

Name variation RIKKI.