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Rodman

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROD-mun /ˈrɒd.mən/High

Meaning: Rodman is an English occupational surname, usually explained as 'a man who rides' (from Old English rad, 'riding') or a man who carried a rod — a measuring or official staff. Its first-name use is modern and widely associated with the basketball player Dennis Rodman, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A sturdy surname name: Rodman means 'one who rides' or 'a man with a rod' (said 'ROD-mun'). Known from Dennis Rodman, which we note.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningRodman is an English occupational surname, usually explained as 'a man who rides' (from Old English rad, 'riding') or a man who carried a rod — a measuring or official staff. Its first-name use is modern and widely associated with the basketball player Dennis Rodman, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13787 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1928

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,331

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

Rodman is an English surname, read either as 'a man who rides' (Old English rad, 'riding') or as one who bore a rod — a measuring staff or a mark of office. It has been an American family name for centuries, and its modern fame is bound up with the basketball player Dennis Rodman, which we note. Sturdy, plain-spoken, and strong (said 'ROD-mun').

It appears only very rarely as a U.S. first name. Very rare, sturdy, and surname-style.

Did you know? Rodman is usually explained as a horseman's name — from the Old English rad, 'riding' — or as one who carried a measuring rod. In modern America it is unmistakably tied to Dennis Rodman, which we note (said 'ROD-mun').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Rodman — English occupational surname; modern association with Dennis Rodman

Variations

RodmannRedmanRod

Nicknames

RodRoddy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rodman…

Chapman— a same-shape occupational surname

Bowman— a like sturdy -man pick

Ryman— shares Rodman's English roots

Freeman— shares the -an ending

Rhylan— another English name

Explore names like Rodman

By themeenglish surname-name strong occupational

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rodman mean?

Rodman is an English surname, usually read as 'a man who rides' or one who carried a rod. Readings vary, which we note.

How do you pronounce Rodman?

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

Is Rodman a boy or girl name?

Rodman is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Rodman?

Rodman is a very rare first name for boys in the U.S.