A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Frederic since 1880
Babies named Frederic per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Frederic's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 213 |
| 1890s | 180 |
| 1900s | 204 |
| 1910s | 1,522 |
| 1920s | 1,720 |
| 1930s | 1,742 |
| 1940s | 2,456 |
| 1950s | 2,173 |
| 1960s | 1,346 |
| 1970s | 926 |
| 1980s | 576 |
| 1990s | 452 |
| 2000s | 341 |
| 2010s | 352 |
| 2020s | 237 |
Meaning & origin
Frederic, a refined and classic name meaning 'peaceful ruler,' has experienced a notable revival after decades of decline. Its earliest recorded use dates to 1880, and it peaked in popularity in 1885 when it ranked #756 nationally. After falling in usage through much of the 20th century, Frederic has been on the rise again since 2010, reflecting a broader trend toward revival of 19th-century names. In 2025, approximately 1 in 40,668 boys received this name, placing it at rank 2,941. Though most popular in the 1880s, Frederic today is chosen by parents who appreciate its distinguished sound and historical roots.
Frederic is the French and English form of the Germanic name Friedrich (or Frithuric), composed of the elements 'frid' or 'frithu' meaning 'peace' and 'ric' or 'rihhi' meaning 'ruler' or 'power.' The name was introduced to England by the Normans but remained rare until the 19th century, when it saw increased use in English-speaking countries.
Where Frederic is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Frederic” around the world
Where Frederic lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Quebec
15
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fred, Freddie, Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Frederic
Names that share Frederic's style, for a brother or sister.
