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Rodney

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROD-nee /ˈrɒd.ni/High

Meaning: Hroda's island; or island of reeds; from Old English Hroda + eg (island), a Somerset place nameMedium

In 30 seconds: An English place-name surname meaning 'Hroda's island' or 'island of reeds,' from a Somerset village. Associated with comedian Rodney Dangerfield and his catchphrase 'I don't get no respect,' it is quintessentially mid-century American.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningHroda's island; or island of reeds; from Old English Hroda + eg (island), a Somerset place name

U.S. rank (2025)#1093 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births197 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1965

Total births (all-time)≈ 247,149

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

Rodney is an English place-name surname from a village in Somerset, England, possibly from the personal name Hroda + eg (island). As a given name it has been used in England and America since the 19th century.

Rodney peaked in the U.S. in the 1960s–1970s and has declined. It ranked #1085 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Rodney Dangerfield (born Jacob Rodney Cohen, 1921–2004) took his mother's maiden name Dangerfield as his stage surname — his comedic persona of a man who 'gets no respect' became one of the most enduring acts in American stand-up comedy.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Rodney — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RodnieRod

Nicknames

Rod

Famous Bearers

★Rodney Dangerfield (1921–2004)
American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his catchphrase 'I don't get no respect.' Star of Caddyshack (1980) and Back to School (1986).

If you like Rodney…

Ronald— two-syllable Ro- name from the same mid-century naming tradition

Roger— two-syllable Ro- name from the same 1960s popular register

Raymond— two-syllable Ra- name from the same mid-century generation

Randy— two-syllable -y ending nickname name from the same era

Ricky— two-syllable Ri- nickname name from the same tradition

Explore names like Rodney

By themeenglish classic two-syllable place-name surname-style mid-century

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rodney mean?

Rodney means 'Hroda's island' or 'island of reeds,' from an Old English place name in Somerset, England.

How do you pronounce Rodney?

It's said ROD-nee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rodney a boy or girl name?

Rodney is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Rodney?

Rodney ranked #1085 for U.S. boys in 2024.