The English surname Richmond is of habitational origin, being derived  from any of the numerous places so named, in northern France as well as in England. These are named with the Old French elements riche meaning “rich or splendid” and  mont  meaning “hill.” Richmond in North Yorkshire was named after a Richmont in France immediately after the Norman Conquest, and in many if not most cases the English surname can be derived from this place. Early written references to the name include Geoffrey de Richemond, in the Register of the Freemen of the City of York, dated 1298, and Nicholas Richemonde (Somerset, 1327). Sir Henry Fitzroy (1519 - 1536), the natural son of Henry V111, was first Duke of Richmond.