Richmond

Richmond is a toponym used for multiple towns, cities, and districts in English-speaking countries. The name is historically linked to the English town of Richmond, in Surrey, with origins commonly attributed to Old French elements that are thought to mean something like “rich hill” or “strong hill.” Because of its English roots, the name was widely reused in former British colonies.

In the United Kingdom, Richmond upon Thames is a suburban town in southwest London and lends its name to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. In the United States, Richmond, Virginia is the capital of the Commonwealth, while other states have places named Richmond, such as California, Kentucky, and Indiana. In Canada, Richmond, British Columbia, is a city on Lulu Island in Metro Vancouver. In Australia, Richmond refers to suburbs in Melbourne, Victoria, and Sydney, New South Wales, while in New Zealand, Richmond is a town in the Tasman District near Nelson.

As a place name, Richmond appears in neighborhoods, streets, and institutions across the world, reflecting the historical spread of British toponymy through colonization and migration. Because it occurs in many regions, Richmond typically requires contextual clarification to identify a specific location.