Rod Boy

Popularity: — · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: Rod /rɒd/

Origin: Germanic; English

Meaning: Germanic: fame; English: a short form of names like Rodney

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Rod is derived from the Old High German name Hrodric, which is composed of the elements "hrod," meaning "fame" or "glory," and "ric," meaning "ruler" or "power." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning from Old High German to Middle High German as "Rodrich," and eventually to the modern English form, Rod. The name's introduction into English can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Germanic names were brought into the English lexicon through the influence of Norman French and the subsequent blending of cultures.

Historically, the name Rod has been associated with notable figures, particularly in medieval Europe. One significant milestone is the use of the name in various forms, such as Roderick, which appeared in literature and historical texts, including the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century.

Roderick was a legendary king of the Visigoths, and his story was popularized in medieval romances, contributing to the name's cultural resonance. The name Rodric also appears in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, further embedding it in the historical narrative of England.

Culturally, the name Rod has been linked to themes of leadership and valor, reflecting its etymological roots in fame and rulership. This connection to nobility and strength has allowed the name to endure through centuries, often appearing in literature and folklore.

The diminutive form Rod has become a familiar and accessible variant, maintaining the essence of its historical significance while adapting to contemporary usage. Overall, the name Rod encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural heritage, rooted in the ideals of power and renown.

Famous people named Rod

In this section, you will find notable people named Rod. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Rod who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Rod who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Rod Stewart is a singer and songwriter best known for Maggie May, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?, and Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright).

Fictional characters named Rod

The following list of fictional characters named Rod is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Rod is a fictional character from the animated television series The Simpsons. He is one of the twin sons of Marge and Homer Simpson, known for his shy demeanor and close relationship with his brother Todd.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Rod, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

RoryReedRexRayRossRalph

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Rod. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

RonRobRudRocRolfRudyRoccoRoderick

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Rod was first seen in the United States in 1910.

Rod has ranked as high as #777 nationally, which occurred in 1960, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Michigan, Washington, and Illinois.

In the past 5 years the name Rod has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Rod is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Rod was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Rod.

Year Total Births Boy
2023 7 7
2021 7 7
2016 11 11
2015 6 6
2014 5 5
2013 9 9
2012 8 8
2011 7 7
2010 6 6
2009 5 5
2008 7 7
2007 13 13
2006 12 12
2005 10 10
2004 8 8
2003 16 16
2002 11 11
2001 13 13
2000 18 18
1999 16 16
1998 17 17
1997 23 23
1996 15 15
1995 26 26
1994 25 25
1993 23 23
1992 31 31
1991 17 17
1990 36 36
1989 28 28
1988 35 35
1987 26 26
1986 29 29
1985 28 28
1984 35 35
1983 35 35
1982 26 26
1981 34 34
1980 40 40
1979 50 50
1978 47 47
1977 59 59
1976 58 58
1975 78 78
1974 80 80
1973 82 82
1972 121 121
1971 155 155
1970 193 193
1969 220 220
1968 233 233
1967 335 335
1966 352 352
1965 494 494
1964 367 367
1963 405 405
1962 425 425
1961 419 419
1960 496 496
1959 481 481
1958 349 349
1957 324 324
1956 212 212
1955 156 156
1954 141 141
1953 109 109
1952 93 93
1951 78 78
1950 82 82
1949 107 107
1948 152 152
1947 191 191
1946 171 171
1945 95 95
1944 74 74
1943 71 71
1942 58 58
1941 37 37
1940 34 34
1939 41 41
1938 22 22
1937 29 29
1936 25 25
1935 28 28
1934 15 15
1933 27 27
1932 16 16
1931 12 12
1930 17 17
1929 14 14
1928 16 16
1927 11 11
1925 8 8
1923 8 8
1921 7 7
1920 8 8
1918 9 9
1916 6 6
1915 6 6
1914 5 5
1910 6 6

Top States for Rod (1998)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%