Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Rod since 1910
Babies named Rod per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 32 |
| 1920s | 72 |
| 1930s | 232 |
| 1940s | 990 |
| 1950s | 2,025 |
| 1960s | 3,746 |
| 1970s | 923 |
| 1980s | 316 |
| 1990s | 229 |
| 2000s | 113 |
| 2010s | 52 |
| 2020s | 14 |
Meaning & origin
The name Rod is a compact, no-nonsense choice that emerged as a short form of longer names like Rodney and Roderick, though it has stood on its own for decades. According to U.S. Social Security data, Rod first appeared in records in 1910 and reached its peak popularity in 1965, when it ranked 378th. Its use has been steadily declining since the mid-1980s, and it has not been in the top 1000 for at least the last several years. Despite its fall from favor, Rod retains a classic, straightforward appeal, especially in the context of mid-century American naming style.
Rod is a diminutive of Rodney and Roderick. Rodney derives from the Old English place name meaning 'island near the clearing' (rod 'clearing' + eg 'island'). Roderick comes from the Germanic elements hrod 'fame' and ric 'power', meaning 'famous ruler'. As a given name, Rod gained independent use in the 20th century and peaked in popularity during the 1960s.
Where Rod 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roddy
Sibling names for Rod
Names that share Rod's style, for a brother or sister.
