What does Roderick mean and where does it come from?
Roderick is traditionally a male name of Germanic origin but has been adapted for female use in modern naming conventions. The name signifies 'famous power' or 'famous ruler.' Historically, it was used in the context of nobility and royalty in Scotland and Germany. The name has been popularized in l
Cultural significance
Roderick has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of famous power.
Peak popularity
Reached #4028 in 1962 — currently #530 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Roderick?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Roderick?
Roderick works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Roderick Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Roderick Rose
Floral · soft ending
Roderick Mae
Sweet · timeless
Roderick Claire
French influence · crisp
Roderick Jane
Literary · strong
Roderick Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Roderick right now?
Holding steady — currently #530 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #530 | 1,670 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #535 | 1,650 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #540 | 1,620 | ▲ up 7816 · +23043% births |
| 1985 | #8356 | 7 | ▼ down 2011 · -30% births |
| 1980 | #6345 | 10 | ▼ down 1160 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #5185 | 11 | ▲ up 652 · +38% births |
| 1970 | #5837 | 8 | ▼ down 982 |
| 1965 | #4855 | 8 | — |
The story of Roderick
Roderick entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. A total of 46,978 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4855 in 1965 to #530 in 2023. Roderick is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Roderick in 1962:
Roderick by decade
Roderick peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 60 | |
| 1890s | 82 | |
| 1900s | 102 | |
| 1910s | 644 | |
| 1920s | 1,478 | |
| 1930s | 1,684 | |
| 1940s | 2,661 | |
| 1950s | 6,304 | |
| 1960s ★ | 9,700 | |
| 1970s | 8,699 | |
| 1980s | 6,709 | |
| 1990s | 4,311 | |
| 2000s | 2,650 | |
| 2010s | 1,794 | |
| 2020s | 100 | |
What are good nicknames for Roderick?
What names sound and feel like Roderick?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Roderick also consider these
How is Roderick written in other languages?
Gender variants of Roderick
Common questions about the name Roderick
What does the name Roderick mean?
Roderick means "famous power" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Roderick?
Roderick is currently ranked #530 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 Roderick?
Roderick originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Roderick?
Roderick is a two-syllable name pronounced R AA1 D R IH0 K. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Roderick more of a girl or boy name?
Roderick is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.