Ryszard

German
"dominant ruler"
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Ryszard Origin and Meaning

The name Ryszard is a boy's name of Polish origin.

Ryszard is the Polish form of Richard, a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'ric' (ruler, leader, king) and 'hard' (strong, brave, hardy), meaning 'strong ruler' or 'brave leader.' This variant maintains the powerful meaning while offering distinctive Slavic character. In Poland, Ryszard has been a consistently used traditional name, though like many classical names, it has seen declining popularity in recent decades in favor of more international options. The name is associated with notable Poles including composer Ryszard Siwiec and filmmaker Ryszard Bugajski. The characteristic 'sz' consonant blend gives the name its distinctive Polish pronunciation, creating a rich, sibilant sound. Ryszard offers a strong cultural connection for Polish families while providing an interesting alternative to the more common Richard in international settings.

Popularity of the name Ryszard

Famous People Named Ryszard

  • Ryszard Kaczorowski
    6th President of Poland in exile
  • Ryszard Kapuściński
    Polish journalist
  • Ryszard Wasko
    Polish artist
  • Ryszard Jerzy Kukliński
    Polish spy for NATO
  • Ryszard Jerzy Petru
    Polish politician