Roderick Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Roderick has its origins in Old Germanic, meaning 'famous ruler'. It evolved through several historical forms, including Hrodric and Rodericus, before taking its current form. The name is associated with nobility and has been borne by notable figures in literature and sports. It does not have biblical relevance, and while it has seen fluctuating popularity, it retains a classic and strong image in modern times.
The name Roderick is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Roderick has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Roderick' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 582nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 440th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 290th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 246th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 377th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 744th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1359th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7962nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5335th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11496th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Roderick' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Roderick"
Pronunciation
/ˈrɒd.ər.ɪk/
Origin
Old Germanic
Etymology
The name Roderick is derived from the Old High German name 'Hrodric', which is composed of the elements 'hrod', meaning 'fame', and 'ric', meaning 'power' or 'ruler'.
Meaning
famous ruler
Language Evolution
Hrodric (Old High German), Rodericus (Latin), Roderick (Middle English)
Historical Usage
Roderick gained popularity in medieval Europe, especially in the 12th century, due to its association with nobility and leadership. The name was used by various kings and lords in Europe.
Variants & Derivatives
Rod, Rodie, Roddy
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Roderick is viewed as a classic name with a strong and noble connotation, though it is less common than in previous centuries.
Famous People
Roderick Usher (fictional character in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher'), Roderick Strong (professional wrestler), Roderick MacFarquhar (political scientist and author)
Explore More Roderick Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Roderick"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Roderick"
"Roderick" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 582nd of 7545 | 1,852 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 440th of 6773 | 3,271 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 290th of 7552 | 12,421 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 246th of 10718 | 14,300 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 377th of 16616 | 9,203 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 744th of 24088 | 4,257 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1359th of 23106 | 1,629 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7962nd of 12526 | 34 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5335th of 19264 | 155 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11496th of 27321 | 74 |
Regional Popularity of "Roderick" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
37.64% 533rd/1416 |
29.30% 404th/1379 |
60.27% 1426th/2366 |
38.18% 436th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
23.74% 367th/1546 |
19.41% 302nd/1556 |
33.02% 777th/2353 |
23.21% 359th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
12.57% 280th/2227 |
11.65% 283rd/2430 |
9.71% 277th/2853 |
11.28% 313th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
10.59% 311th/2937 |
10.68% 372nd/3483 |
4.52% 159th/3518 |
10.19% 412th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.81% 472nd/3685 |
14.46% 647th/4475 |
4.74% 246th/5194 |
9.74% 615th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.28% 975th/4582 |
29.92% 1545th/5164 |
7.43% 543rd/7313 |
17.06% 1273rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
38.35% 1528th/3984 |
62.40% 2800th/4487 |
14.85% 1013th/6822 |
27.82% 1746th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Roderick" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Roderick"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Roderick" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.