Rising since 1991, #575 for boys today.
Popularity of Rhodes since 1915
Babies named Rhodes per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 23 |
| 1920s | 0 | 54 |
| 1930s | 0 | 35 |
| 1940s | 0 | 11 |
| 1950s | 0 | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 | 7 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 27 |
| 2000s | 0 | 86 |
| 2010s | 40 | 554 |
| 2020s | 179 | 1,933 |
Meaning & origin
Rhodes first entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1915, but remained extremely rare for most of the 20th century. Its modern rise began in the 1990s, and the trajectory has been rising since 1991, reflecting a broader trend toward occupational and topographic surnames as first names. In 2025, Rhodes reached its peak rank at 575, with about 1 in 3,343 baby boys receiving the name. The top states for Rhodes in 2025 were Maine, Arkansas, and Tennessee, suggesting a particular appeal in the South and Northeast. The name's straightforward sound and association with the ancient Greek island (a separate etymology) give it a scholarly yet grounded feel, making it a concise alternative to longer surname-style names like Brooks or Hayes.
Rhodes is a transferred use of the English surname, which has two principal origins. One derives from the Old English 'rod' meaning 'clearing' or 'woodland', and was a topographic name for someone who lived near such a place. The other derives from the Old English 'rodor' meaning 'sky' or 'firmament'. As a given name, it gained use in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, part of the trend toward surname-style first names.
Where Rhodes is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Rhoads, Rodes
Sibling names for Rhodes
Names that share Rhodes's style, for a brother or sister.
