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Roderic Boy

Popularity: #917 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationROD-er-ik / /ˈrɒd.ər.ɪk/

Germanic; Old High German

Meaning

Germanic: famous power; Old High German: renowned ruler

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Roderic has its roots in the ancient Germanic elements "hrod," meaning "fame," and "ric," meaning "ruler" or "power." This etymology suggests a meaning akin to "famous ruler." The name was introduced to the English language through the Old High German form "Hrothirich," which evolved into various forms in different languages, including the Old Norse "Hróðríkkr" and the Spanish "Rodrigo." The transition into English occurred during the medieval period, particularly influenced by the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, which brought many Norman and Germanic names into the English lexicon.

Historically, the name Roderic is associated with several notable figures, particularly in the context of medieval Spain. One of the most significant was Roderic, the last Visigothic king of Spain, who ruled from 710 to 712 AD. His reign is often marked by the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which led to significant cultural and political changes in the region. The name also appears in various literary works, including the epic poem "La Cantar de los Cantares," where Roderic is depicted as a tragic hero. The name's presence in historical texts and royal lineages contributed to its enduring legacy.

Culturally, Roderic has been associated with themes of leadership and valor, reflecting its etymological roots. In literature and folklore, figures bearing the name often embody the qualities of a noble leader or a tragic hero, resonating with the ideals of chivalry and honor prevalent in medieval narratives. The diminutive form "Rory" has also emerged in various cultures, further linking the name to themes of nobility and strength. Overall, Roderic's historical and cultural significance has allowed it to maintain a presence in various contexts throughout the centuries.

Trend Summary

Roderic has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with occasional peaks in usage.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Rodrick
  • Roderick

International Variants

  • Roderico (Spanish)
  • Roderik (Dutch)
  • Roderic (English)

Famous people named Roderic

Roderic O'Connor is a painter best known for his works in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the genre of landscape painting.

Fictional characters named Roderic

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Roderic was first seen in the United States in 1914. Roderic has ranked as high as #1047 nationally, which occurred in 1965, and has been most popular in California, Michigan, Mississippi, Georgia, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Roderic has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Roderic (1977)

StateBirthsShare
MS 6
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19146
19158
191614
19177
19188
191913
192013
19216
19228
19238
19247
19259
192614
192717
192823
192914
193015
193119
193218
193318
193417
193518
193611
193713
193818
193917
194019
194129
194213
194321
194415
194523
194627
194728
194825
194927
195021
195138
195233
195330
195437
195529
195635
195737
195835
195943
196038
196149
196259
196358
196450
196568
196656
196745
196850
196955
197065
197144
197248
197348
197444
197528
197642
197735
197831
197930
198021
198116
198215
198312
198414
198520
198617
198721
198819
198917
199019
199117
199219
199312
199418
199514
199610
199717
199813
199916
200012
200113
20025
200313
200412
200512
20086
20099
20105
20117
20127
20138
20167
20176
20186
20196
20247