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Roderick
Pronounced RAHD-uh-rihk /ˈɹɑd.ə.ɹɪk/Medium
Meaning: Famous rulerMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Roderick joins the Germanic elements for fame and rule to mean 'famous ruler'. In the British Isles it overlaps with the Gaelic Ruairidh and the Welsh Rhydderch, which are often anglicized to the same name. The scientist Roderick MacKinnon (born 1956) won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003.
Its listed relatives — Ruairi, Ruairidh, Ruaraidh and Rhydderch — reveal the Scottish and Welsh names that English speakers fold into Roderick.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Roderick MacKinnon (1956–present)Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003.
- ★Roderick Weusthof (1982–present)Male public figure listed on Behind the Name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Roderick mean?
Roderick is usually explained as meaning 'famous ruler' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Roderick?
It's commonly said RAHD-uh-rihk /ˈɹɑd.ə.ɹɪk/.
Is Roderick a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Roderick is used as a boy name.
How popular is Roderick?
In 2024, Roderick ranked #1909 in the U.S. for boys, with 83 births recorded.