Rod
Rod: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Rod
Root meaning: “fame”
- A nickname for the male given names Rodney and Roderick.
Etymology
Abbreviated form of Rodney and of Roderick, both with roots originating from Germanic *hrōþiz (“fame”).
How popular is Rod?
Since 1880, 8,744 boys in the U.S. have been named Rod. Its highest rank for boys was #344 in 1965. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Names similar to Rod
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
Sibling name ideas for Rod
Names that peaked around the same time as Rod and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Rod FAQ
What does the name Rod mean?
Rod traces back to a root meaning "fame". A nickname for the male given names Rodney and Roderick. Abbreviated form of Rodney and of Roderick, both with roots originating from Germanic *hrōþiz (“fame”).
How popular is the name Rod?
Since 1880, 8,744 boys in the U.S. have been named Rod. Its highest rank for boys was #344 in 1965. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Is Rod a boy or girl name?
Rod is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 8,744 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.