Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Roddy

Roddy

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROD-ee /ˈrɒd.i/High

Meaning: A pet form of Roderick — Germanic hrod ('fame') plus ric ('ruler'), 'famous ruler' — and sometimes of Rodney. Long used on its own in Scotland and Ireland, where Roddy stands as a full first name.Medium

In 30 seconds: Warm and friendly: Roddy is the short form of Roderick, 'famous ruler' (said 'ROD-ee'). In Scotland it stands on its own.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumScottish, English
MeaningA pet form of Roderick — Germanic hrod ('fame') plus ric ('ruler'), 'famous ruler' — and sometimes of Rodney. Long used on its own in Scotland and Ireland, where Roddy stands as a full first name.
U.S. rank (2022)#12023 ↘ Falling
2022 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1960
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,531

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196019142022

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

Roddy comes from Roderick, a Germanic compound of hrod ('fame') and ric ('ruler'), and sometimes from Rodney. The short form settled in as a name of its own, especially in Scotland. Friendly, unfussy, and easy to say (said 'ROD-ee').

In the U.S. it is rare, with a vintage-nickname charm. Rare, warm, and unpretentious.

Did you know? Roddy started life as a nickname for Roderick — 'famous ruler' — but in Scotland and Ireland it has been a full first name for generations, which we note (said 'ROD-ee').
Overall data confidence 62%
References — Roddy — Pet form of Roderick / Rodney; standalone use in Scotland and Ireland

Variations

RodiRoddie

Nicknames

RodRodz

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Roddy…

Roderick— the full name behind Roddy
Rodney— another Rod- name it shortens
Ronnie— a like friendly nickname-name
Robbie— a similar warm short form

Explore names like Roddy

By themevintagenickname-namescottishfriendly
By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Roddy mean?

Roddy is a short form of Roderick, 'famous ruler', and sometimes of Rodney.

How do you pronounce Roddy?

It's said ROD-ee /ˈrɒd.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Roddy a boy or girl name?

Roddy is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Roddy?

Roddy is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia