Rodney Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Rodney is an Old English name meaning 'famous island'. It evolved from earlier forms and was popularized in the 18th century due to notable figures. The name is associated with traits of fame and stability, and it has no direct biblical significance.
The name Rodney is most popular in North Dakota, 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 Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Rodney has been falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Rodney' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 313th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 145th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 76th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 65th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 189th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 415th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 821st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6038th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3972nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2863rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2325th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6926th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 32005th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Rodney' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Rodney"
Pronunciation
/ˈrɒd.ni/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Rodney is derived from the Old English elements 'rod' meaning 'hroth' or 'fame' and 'eg' meaning 'island' or 'riverbank'.
Meaning
famous island
Language Evolution
Rodney, Rodne, Rodni
Historical Usage
Rodney gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in England, due in part to the influence of Admiral George Rodney, a British naval officer.
Variants & Derivatives
Rod, Roddy
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Rodney is viewed as a classic name that carries a sense of tradition and stability, though it has become less common in recent decades.
Famous People
Admiral George Rodney, Rodney Dangerfield, Rodney Carrington
Explore More Rodney Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Rodney"
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 "Rodney"
"Rodney" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 313th of 7545 | 5,339 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 145th of 6773 | 21,509 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 76th of 7552 | 97,198 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 65th of 10718 | 83,684 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 189th of 16616 | 25,001 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 415th of 24088 | 10,546 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 821st of 23106 | 3,380 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6038th of 9107 | 29 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3972nd of 9204 | 95 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2863rd of 12526 | 312 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2325th of 19264 | 557 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6926th of 27321 | 173 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 32005th of 35406 | 9 |
Regional Popularity of "Rodney" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
16.38% 232nd/1416 |
19.22% 265th/1379 |
18.60% 440th/2366 |
18.30% 209th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.63% 118th/1546 |
8.29% 129th/1556 |
8.92% 210th/2353 |
7.24% 112th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.60% 58th/2227 |
3.91% 95th/2430 |
2.87% 82nd/2853 |
2.09% 58th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.18% 64th/2937 |
2.47% 86th/3483 |
1.19% 42nd/3518 |
2.27% 92nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.80% 177th/3685 |
4.92% 220th/4475 |
2.70% 140th/5194 |
4.50% 284th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
9.47% 434th/4582 |
9.24% 477th/5164 |
4.36% 319th/7313 |
8.37% 625th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
20.76% 827th/3984 |
23.94% 1074th/4487 |
10.00% 682nd/6822 |
18.63% 1169th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Rodney" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
85.12% 2362nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
76.20% 2654th/3483 |
65.04% 2288th/3518 |
94.04% 3803rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Rodney"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Rodney" 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.