MallowbyNames

Fredrick

FRED-rik · Peaceful ruler

2025 rank (boys)
#1,728
Babies named in 2025
94
Peak popularity
1880
2025 frequency
1 in 18,171 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1985

Declining since 1985, #1,728 for boys today.

Popularity of Fredrick since 1880

Babies named Fredrick per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1953, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Fredrick's real moment was 1880.

4478941.3k1880192019602000Most births 1953Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1880s783
1890s617
1900s536
1910s3,248
1920s5,641
1930s5,575
1940s8,232
1950s11,347
1960s8,358
1970s7,742
1980s4,860
1990s3,409
2000s2,089
2010s1,399
2020s691

Meaning & origin

Fredrick is a variant spelling of the classic Frederick, derived from Old High German elements meaning 'peace' and 'ruler'. First recorded in 1880, it has seen a steady decline since 1985, with its peak year also being 1880. The name's popularity has fallen from its earlier heights, but it remains in use, particularly in states like Minnesota, Oregon, and Indiana. Its traditional feel, combined with the less formal 'Fred' as a nickname, appeals to families seeking a name with historical depth. Despite the decline, Fredrick still carries the weight of its royal and scholarly associations. The variant spelling with a 'k' distinguishes it from the standard Frederick while keeping the same strong meaning.

Fredrick is a variant of Frederick, derived from the Old High German name Frithuric, composed of fridu 'peace' and rihhi 'ruler, power'. The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became common among royalty, including Frederick the Great of Prussia. The spelling with a 'k' is a common variant, especially in American usage.

Where Fredrick 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Fred, Freddy, Rick, Ricky

Variants: Frederick, Frederic, Friedrich

Sibling names for Fredrick

Names that share Fredrick's style, for a brother or sister.

Names like Fredrick

Names whose popularity has moved with Fredrick's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

F is for Fredrick, our favorite little boy.

F is for Fredrick…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Fredrick's letter becomes Fredrick's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Fredrick's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Fredrick mean?
Fredrick means 'peaceful ruler', from Old High German elements meaning 'peace' and 'ruler'.
How popular is the name Fredrick today?
Fredrick ranked 1,728 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 18,171 boys receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 1880.
Is Fredrick a boy or girl name?
Fredrick is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.