What does Rhoda mean and where does it come from?
Rhoda is derived from the Hebrew name related to the word for 'rose' (רוֹזָה). The name appears in the New Testament, where Rhoda is a servant girl in the Acts of the Apostles. It has been popular in English-speaking countries since the 17th century. Notable people with this name include the America
Cultural significance
Rhoda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a rose.
Peak popularity
Reached #160 in 1881 — currently #1554 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rhoda?
Rhoda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rhoda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rhoda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rhoda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rhoda Claire
French influence · crisp
Rhoda Jane
Literary · strong
Rhoda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rhoda right now?
Holding steady — currently #1554 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1554 | 646 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1559 | 626 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1564 | 596 | ▲ up 1802 · +1224% births |
| 2020 | #3366 | 45 | ▲ up 21 · -4% births |
| 2015 | #3387 | 47 | ▼ down 132 · -6% births |
| 2010 | #3255 | 50 | ▲ up 621 · +35% births |
| 2005 | #3876 | 37 | ▼ down 545 · -7% births |
| 2000 | #3331 | 40 | ▼ down 44 · +18% births |
| 1995 | #3287 | 34 | ▼ down 796 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #2491 | 48 | ▼ down 354 · -2% births |
| 1985 | #2137 | 49 | ▼ down 584 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #1553 | 75 | ▼ down 777 · -59% births |
| 1975 | #776 | 182 | ▲ up 275 · +56% births |
| 1970 | #1051 | 117 | ▼ down 394 · -48% births |
| 1965 | #657 | 225 | — |
The story of Rhoda
Rhoda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 25,775 babies have received this name. Once ranked #176 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1554 in 2023. Rhoda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Rhoda in 1881:
Rhoda by decade
Rhoda peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,024 | |
| 1890s | 1,363 | |
| 1900s | 1,325 | |
| 1910s | 2,943 | |
| 1920s ★ | 4,756 | |
| 1930s | 4,035 | |
| 1940s | 2,819 | |
| 1950s | 2,615 | |
| 1960s | 1,925 | |
| 1970s | 1,216 | |
| 1980s | 510 | |
| 1990s | 411 | |
| 2000s | 369 | |
| 2010s | 419 | |
| 2020s | 45 | |
What are good nicknames for Rhoda?
Famous people named Rhoda
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Rhoda (historical figure)
Rhoda bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
R(
Rhoda (historical community leader)
Rhoda led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
R(
Rhoda (historical figure)
Rhoda bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Rhoda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rhoda also consider these
How is Rhoda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Rhoda
What does the name Rhoda mean?
Rhoda means "a rose" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Rhoda?
Rhoda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Rhoda?
Rhoda originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Rhoda?
Rhoda is a two-syllable name pronounced R OW1 D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Rhoda a common or rare name?
Rhoda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.