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Frederick Boy

Popularity: #386 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationFRED-uh-rik / /ˈfrɛdərɪk/

German; English; French

Meaning

German: peaceful ruler; English: peaceful ruler; French: peaceful king

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Frederick has its roots in the Germanic elements "frid," meaning peace, and "ric," meaning ruler or power. This etymology can be traced back to the Old High German form "Fridurih," which evolved into various forms in different languages, including the Latinized "Fredericus". The name made its way into English through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was adopted from the Old French "Frederic". The linguistic journey reflects a blend of Germanic and Latin influences, showcasing the interconnectedness of European languages during the medieval period.

Historically, the name Frederick has been borne by several notable figures, particularly in the context of European royalty. One of the most prominent was Frederick I of Prussia, who reigned in the early 18th century and played a significant role in the establishment of Prussia as a major European power. Additionally, Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great, ruled in the 18th century and is celebrated for his military victories and cultural contributions, including the promotion of the arts and philosophy. The name also appears in various historical texts, including the King James Bible, where it is associated with themes of leadership and peace.

Culturally, the name Frederick has been associated with nobility and strength, often symbolizing a ruler who brings peace to his people. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Fred and Freddie, which have been used affectionately throughout history. The enduring nature of the name can be attributed to its strong historical associations and the positive connotations of its meaning, reflecting the qualities of a wise and benevolent leader. Overall, Frederick remains a name steeped in rich historical and cultural significance.

Trend Summary

Frederick has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable resurgence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Fred
  • Freddie
  • Frederic

International Variants

  • Friedrich (German)
  • Frédéric (French)
  • Federico (Italian)
  • Frederik (Dutch)

Famous people named Frederick

Frederick Douglass is an abolitionist and writer best known for Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, My Bondage and My Freedom, and his speeches advocating for civil rights.

Frederick Nietzsche is a philosopher best known for Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Beyond Good and Evil, and The Birth of Tragedy.

Frederick the Great is a king best known for his military victories in the Seven Years' War and his role in the Enlightenment in Prussia.

Frederick Banting is a physician best known for co-discovering insulin and his work in diabetes research.

Frederick Law Olmsted is a landscape architect best known for designing Central Park, the Emerald Necklace, and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

Fictional characters named Frederick

Frederick is a fictional character from the musical and film The Producers. He is a flamboyant and ambitious director who collaborates with the main characters to produce a Broadway flop.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Frederick was first seen in the United States in 1880. Frederick has ranked as high as #157 nationally, which occurred in 1951, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Frederick has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Frederick (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 51
8%
PA 50
7%
NY 47
7%
TX 46
7%
MI 33
5%
IL 33
5%
OH 32
5%
WI 32
5%
FL 31
5%
MN 24
4%
MA 22
3%
MO 21
3%
WA 20
3%
GA 20
3%
UT 18
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880483
1881433
1882457
1883438
1884454
1885466
1886461
1887464
1888496
1889451
1890410
1891412
1892453
1893432
1894413
1895406
1896381
1897369
1898368
1899350
1900420
1901336
1902330
1903341
1904390
1905381
1906377
1907410
1908438
1909477
1910543
1911802
19121,564
19131,996
19142,415
19153,159
19163,325
19173,455
19183,351
19192,932
19203,275
19213,376
19223,353
19233,278
19243,279
19253,088
19263,120
19273,048
19282,882
19292,813
19302,694
19312,471
19322,501
19332,321
19342,431
19352,582
19362,817
19372,878
19382,935
19392,972
19403,096
19413,288
19423,738
19433,840
19443,583
19453,436
19464,231
19474,637
19484,517
19494,747
19504,659
19514,984
19524,979
19534,865
19544,743
19554,551
19564,305
19574,011
19583,639
19593,549
19603,478
19613,313
19623,257
19633,125
19643,357
19653,154
19662,885
19672,815
19682,611
19692,773
19702,887
19712,974
19722,438
19732,183
19741,928
19751,787
19761,731
19771,627
19781,533
19791,638
19801,608
19811,470
19821,366
19831,437
19841,221
19851,224
19861,269
19871,170
19881,178
19891,114
19901,076
19911,135
19921,038
1993948
1994903
1995830
1996809
1997711
1998720
1999673
2000647
2001614
2002580
2003587
2004581
2005569
2006556
2007484
2008521
2009491
2010527
2011472
2012488
2013556
2014567
2015558
2016583
2017581
2018575
2019615
2020613
2021629
2022648
2023596
2024741