What does Rodney mean and where does it come from?
Though traditionally a male name, Rodney has been used for females as a unique trend in recent years. The name has its roots in Old English, derived from 'rodd' meaning 'clearing' and 'eg' meaning 'island'. Its use as a female name may reflect a desire for individuality or gender-neutral ideals. The
Cultural significance
Rodney has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the island near the clearing.
Peak popularity
Reached #1569 in 1966 — currently #1146 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rodney?
Rodney works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rodney Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rodney Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rodney Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rodney Claire
French influence · crisp
Rodney Jane
Literary · strong
Rodney Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rodney right now?
Falling — down 158 spots — currently #1146 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1146 | 183 | ▼ down 158 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #988 | 228 | ▼ down 27 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #961 | 234 | ▲ up 8923 · +2500% births |
| 2000 | #9884 | 9 | ▲ up 339 · +29% births |
| 1990 | #10223 | 7 | ▼ down 5936 · -61% births |
| 1985 | #4287 | 18 | ▼ down 966 · -28% births |
| 1980 | #3321 | 25 | ▼ down 796 · -19% births |
| 1975 | #2525 | 31 | ▼ down 319 · -14% births |
| 1970 | #2206 | 36 | ▼ down 550 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #1656 | 46 | ▲ up 596 · +70% births |
| 1960 | #2252 | 27 | ▲ up 730 · +80% births |
| 1955 | #2982 | 15 | ▲ up 702 · +67% births |
| 1950 | #3684 | 9 | ▼ down 528 |
| 1945 | #3156 | 9 | ▲ up 379 · +29% births |
| 1940 | #3535 | 7 | — |
The story of Rodney
Rodney entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. More than 247,261 babies have been named Rodney since 1918. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5003 in 1925 to #1146 in 2023. Rodney is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Rodney in 1966:
Rodney by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 112 | |
| 1890s | 162 | |
| 1900s | 194 | |
| 1910s | 1,780 | |
| 1920s | 4,555 | |
| 1930s | 9,728 | |
| 1940s | 24,928 | |
| 1950s | 54,948 | |
| 1960s ★ | 72,547 | |
| 1970s | 37,775 | |
| 1980s | 18,043 | |
| 1990s | 12,146 | |
| 2000s | 6,470 | |
| 2010s | 3,613 | |
| 2020s | 260 | |
What are good nicknames for Rodney?
What names sound and feel like Rodney?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rodney also consider these
Common questions about the name Rodney
What does the name Rodney mean?
Rodney means "From the island near the clearing" — a name rooted in American 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 Rodney?
Rodney is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Rodney?
Rodney originates from American tradition. American 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 Rodney?
Rodney is a two-syllable name pronounced R AA1 D N IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Rodney a common or rare name?
Rodney is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.