Home › Baby Names Directory › Frederick

Frederick

♂ Boy

Pronounced FRED-er-ik /ˈfrɛd.ər.ɪk/High

Meaning: From Old High German Frithuric or Friduric, combining fridu meaning peace and ric meaning ruler, power, or king; peaceful rulerHigh

In 30 seconds: Frederick is a stately Germanic name meaning 'peaceful ruler' — a name of emperors, abolitionists, and philosophers that stands as one of the great dignified classics of the English-speaking world.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighGermanic
MeaningFrom Old High German Frithuric or Friduric, combining fridu meaning peace and ric meaning ruler, power, or king; peaceful ruler
U.S. rank (2025)#435 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births728 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1951
Total births (all-time)≈ 266,052

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195118802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Frederick derives from Old High German Frithuric, from fridu (peace) and ric (ruler, king). It was carried by Holy Roman Emperors, Prussian kings, and English royalty throughout European history.

Frederick was popular in the United States through the 19th and 20th centuries. It is now considered a distinguished classic — slightly formal but entirely ready for revival.

Did you know? Frederick Douglass, born into slavery as Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, adopted the name Frederick — from Sir Walter Scott's novel — as part of his rebirth into freedom, making the name forever associated with the abolitionist cause.
Overall data confidence 96%
Behind the Name — Frederick — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

FriedrichFredericFederico

Nicknames

FredFreddieRick

Famous Bearers

  • ★Frederick Douglass (1818–1895)
    American abolitionist, orator, and statesman; escaped slavery and became the leading voice of the anti-slavery movement.
  • ★Frederick the Great (1712–1786)
    King of Prussia, considered one of the greatest military commanders and enlightened monarchs of the 18th century.

If you like Frederick…

Walter— shares the Old High German noble heritage and the same dignified vintage American feel
Harold— fellow Germanic royal name with the same early-20th-century American peak and revival potential
Clarence— shares the Victorian-American classic feel and a similar arc toward respectful revival
Raymond— shares the -ard/-ic Germanic ending tradition and the same timeless dignified character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Frederick mean?

Frederick means peaceful ruler from Old High German fridu (peace) and ric (ruler or king).

How do you pronounce Frederick?

It is said FRED-er-ik /ˈfrɛd.ər.ɪk/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Frederick old-fashioned?

Frederick is a distinguished classic that is seen as formal but is positioned for a handsome vintage revival.

What are nicknames for Frederick?

The most common nicknames are Fred and Freddie; Rick is also used.