A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Rhoda since 1880
Babies named Rhoda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rhoda's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,024 |
| 1890s | 1,356 |
| 1900s | 1,325 |
| 1910s | 2,943 |
| 1920s | 4,756 |
| 1930s | 4,036 |
| 1940s | 2,819 |
| 1950s | 2,615 |
| 1960s | 1,925 |
| 1970s | 1,215 |
| 1980s | 510 |
| 1990s | 416 |
| 2000s | 379 |
| 2010s | 430 |
| 2020s | 308 |
Meaning & origin
Rhoda, a Greek name meaning 'rose', has a long history in the English-speaking world. It first appeared in the U.S. records in 1880, with its peak year in 1881, when it ranked 3296. After a period of decline, it has been rising since 1994. The name is most common in Pennsylvania and Ohio, reflecting its historical popularity in those states. While never extremely common, Rhoda has a classic, literary feel, bolstered by its biblical appearance. Its recent revival suggests a renewed interest in simple, floral names with historical depth.
Rhoda is derived from the Greek word 'rhodon', meaning 'rose'. It appears in the New Testament as the name of a servant girl in the house of Mary, mother of John Mark. The name was used in England from the 17th century, becoming moderately popular in the 19th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Rhoda is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rhody, Rody, Rodie
Sibling names for Rhoda
Names that share Rhoda's style, for a brother or sister.
