What does Frederick mean and where does it come from?
Frederick is traditionally a male name, derived from the Germanic elements 'frid' meaning peace and 'ric' meaning ruler. The feminine forms and usages have emerged in modern times in various cultures. It has been widely popular across Europe, often connected to historical figures and royalty, such a
Cultural significance
Frederick has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of peaceful ruler.
Peak popularity
Reached #1834 in 1927 — currently #506 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Frederick?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Frederick?
Frederick works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Frederick Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Frederick Rose
Floral · soft ending
Frederick Mae
Sweet · timeless
Frederick Claire
French influence · crisp
Frederick Jane
Literary · strong
Frederick Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Frederick right now?
Declining — down 30 spots — currently #506 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #506 | 596 | ▼ down 30 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #476 | 648 | stable · +3% births |
| 2021 | #476 | 629 | ▲ up 12499 · +12480% births |
| 1990 | #12975 | 5 | ▼ down 5397 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #7578 | 8 | ▼ down 2031 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #5547 | 12 | ▼ down 1766 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #3781 | 17 | ▼ down 67 · +6% births |
| 1970 | #3714 | 16 | ▼ down 159 · +23% births |
| 1965 | #3555 | 13 | ▼ down 973 · -41% births |
| 1960 | #2582 | 22 | ▲ up 1011 · +100% births |
| 1955 | #3593 | 11 | ▼ down 160 · +10% births |
| 1950 | #3433 | 10 | ▲ up 1141 · +100% births |
| 1945 | #4574 | 5 | ▼ down 207 |
| 1940 | #4367 | 5 | ▼ down 2157 · -67% births |
| 1930 | #2210 | 15 | — |
The story of Frederick
Frederick entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. More than 263,774 babies have been named Frederick since 1908. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2415 in 1910 to #506 in 2023. Frederick is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Frederick in 1927:
Frederick by decade
Frederick peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 4,603 | |
| 1890s | 3,994 | |
| 1900s | 3,905 | |
| 1910s | 23,609 | |
| 1920s | 31,679 | |
| 1930s | 26,713 | |
| 1940s | 39,190 | |
| 1950s ★ | 44,424 | |
| 1960s | 30,946 | |
| 1970s | 20,920 | |
| 1980s | 13,183 | |
| 1990s | 8,859 | |
| 2000s | 5,629 | |
| 2010s | 5,517 | |
| 2020s | 603 | |
What are good nicknames for Frederick?
Famous people named Frederick
F(
Frederick (Norse explorer)
Frederick carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
F(
Frederick (Germanic saint)
Frederick spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
F(
Frederick (Scandinavian royal)
Frederick held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
F(
Frederick (Germanic saint)
Frederick spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Frederick?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Frederick also consider these
How is Frederick written in other languages?
Gender variants of Frederick
Common questions about the name Frederick
What does the name Frederick mean?
Frederick means "peaceful ruler" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Frederick?
Frederick is currently ranked #506 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Frederick?
Frederick originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Frederick?
Frederick is a two-syllable name pronounced F R EH1 D ER0 IH0 K. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Frederick more of a girl or boy name?
Frederick is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.