Rodman

Meaning & origin

Rodman is a name that has been given to boys in the United States since at least 1912, though it has never been common. Its peak year was 1928, during which it saw its highest recorded usage. In recent years, the name has remained stable and extremely rare, with no rank in the top 1000 names. As a transferred surname of Old English origin, Rodman likely referred to a red-haired individual. The name has a straightforward, sturdy quality that fits with other surname-style names of its era. Its top states are few, indicating geographically scattered use. For parents seeking a distinctive but recognizable name with historical roots but little modern baggage, Rodman offers an unconventional choice.

Rodman is a transferred use of the English surname, which itself derived from the Old English 'rod' meaning 'red' and 'mann' meaning 'man', likely referring to a red-haired person or someone with a ruddy complexion. Alternatively, it may have roots in a place name. The surname was occasionally adopted as a given name in the 20th century, especially in the United States, and saw modest use from the 1910s through the 1930s.