Declining since 1985, #1,743 for boys today.
Popularity of Roderick since 1880
Babies named Roderick per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 60 |
| 1890s | 82 |
| 1900s | 102 |
| 1910s | 644 |
| 1920s | 1,478 |
| 1930s | 1,684 |
| 1940s | 2,663 |
| 1950s | 6,291 |
| 1960s | 9,638 |
| 1970s | 8,598 |
| 1980s | 6,625 |
| 1990s | 4,315 |
| 2000s | 2,650 |
| 2010s | 1,796 |
| 2020s | 557 |
Meaning & origin
Roderick, a name with deep Germanic roots meaning 'famous ruler', has seen a notable decline since its peak year of 1971. Once ranking considerably higher, it now sits at #1743 in 2025, with about 1 in 18,366 boys receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been falling since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from classic medieval names. Geographically, Roderick has found most favor in southern states, with top states being Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Despite its lower current usage, Roderick retains a strong, historical resonance, appealing to parents drawn to vintage names with a noble meaning.
Roderick derives from the Germanic elements *hrod* 'fame' and *ric* 'ruler, power', making it a classic compound name meaning 'famous ruler'. It was brought to Britain by the Normans and was common in medieval England, though it fell out of favor until the 19th century revival of medieval names. The name also has a long history in Spain and Portugal as Rodrigo, from the Visigothic Roderic.
Where Roderick 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: Rod, Roddy, Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Roderick
Names that share Roderick's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Roderick
Names whose popularity has moved with Roderick's over the last 50 years.
