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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 (2024)#1085 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births200 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1965
Total births (all-time)≈ 246,952

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196518802024

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

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

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.