rik

Rik is a masculine given name used primarily in Dutch-speaking regions and in parts of Europe. It is commonly a diminutive form of Richard, though in many cases it is used as an independent given name. In the Netherlands and Flanders, Rik is a familiar spelling that has also been adopted as a formal name. English-language variants include Rick and Ricky, while other languages may have different equivalents.

The name has a presence in various fields, particularly in sports, arts, and public life. When used as a nickname, Rik often signals a shortened form of Richard, but it is frequently recorded as a legal given name in its own right.

Notable people named Rik include Rik Mayall (1958–2014), a British comedian and actor known for The Young Ones and Bottom; Rik Smits (born 1966), a Dutch former professional basketball player who spent much of his career with the Indiana Pacers; and Rik van Steenbergen, a Belgian road cyclist and multiple-time world champion active in the mid-20th century.