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Home › Baby Names Directory › Broderick

Broderick

♂ Boy

Pronounced BROD-uh-rik /ˈbrɒd.ər.ɪk/High

Meaning: Son of Roderick; from Welsh ap Rhydderch (son of Rhydderch — whose name means famous ruler, from Old Welsh hruod: fame + rix: ruler)High

In 30 seconds: A Welsh patronymic surname meaning 'son of Roderick' (famous ruler), from ap Rhydderch. A stately three-syllable surname name with Welsh heritage, most familiar through actor Matthew Broderick.
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Origin HighWelsh
MeaningSon of Roderick; from Welsh ap Rhydderch (son of Rhydderch — whose name means famous ruler, from Old Welsh hruod: fame + rix: ruler)
U.S. rank (2025)#2573 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births51 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,951

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200919502025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Broderick is a Welsh patronymic surname from ap Rhydderch (son of Rhydderch), anglicized to Broderick. Rhydderch is an Old Welsh name from hruod (fame) + rix (ruler). As a given name it is a modern American surname-to-first-name transfer.

Broderick has appeared in U.S. boys' data as a distinctive three-syllable surname name. Its 2024 ranking of #2391 reflects modest use.

Did you know? Matthew Broderick's most iconic role — Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) — gave an entire generation their most beloved school-skipper fantasy. His surname Broderick (son of Roderick) gave his character's carefree spirit a paradoxically noble Welsh etymology.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Broderick — Welsh etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RoderickRhydderch

Nicknames

BrodRick

Famous Bearers

  • ★Broderick Crawford (1911-1986)
    Oscar-winning American actor of All the King's Men and Highway Patrol

If you like Broderick…

Roderick— the parent name from which Broderick derives
Frederick— three-syllable -erick ending Germanic name with the same stately feel
Kendrick— two-syllable -rick ending surname name in the same category
Merrick— shares the -ck ending
Elyan— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Broderick

By themethree-syllablesurname-stylewelshpatronymic
By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Broderick mean?

Broderick means 'son of Roderick' (famous ruler), from Welsh ap Rhydderch (hruod: fame + rix: ruler).

How do you pronounce Broderick?

It's said BROD-uh-rik /ˈbrɒd.ər.ɪk/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Broderick a boy or girl name?

Broderick is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Broderick?

Broderick ranked #2391 for U.S. boys in 2024.

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