Rodney: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: Rodney is also found in literature. For example, “Rodney Stone” is a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, best known for creating Sherlock Holmes.

Rodney Overview

Meaning

Hroda’s island, island near the clearing

Gender

Boy

Origin

English

Etymology

Derived from the Old English elements “rod” (meaning “island”) and “ney” (meaning “near”).

Pronunciation

/ˈrɒdni/

Popularity

Rodney was a popular name in the mid-20th century, especially in English-speaking countries. Recently, its popularity has declined, and it ranks outside the top 1000 names in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

9 (Humanitarian, Selfless, Creative)

Name Styles

Traditional, Classic, Vintage, Nature-inspired

Associated Traits

Strong, dependable, practical, confident

Rodney Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Rodrick, Rodolfo, Roderick, Roderigo, Roderich, Rodion

Common Nicknames

Roddy, Rodge, Rodd, Rody

Diminutives

Rod, Ned, R.J., Ro, Rye

Famous People

Rodney Dangerfield
(American Comedian)
Rodney King
(American Public Figure)
Rodney Atkins
(American Country Music Singer)
Rodney Harrison
(American Former Football Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Rodney Trotter
("Only Fools and Horses," TV Series)
Rodney Copperbottom
("Robots," Film)
"Rodney"
(TV Series)
Rodney McKay
("Stargate Atlantis," TV Series)
Rodney Harrington
("Peyton Place," TV Series)

Places

Rodney Village
(Delaware, USA)
Rodney Bay
(Gros Islet, Saint Lucia)
Rodney Street
(Liverpool, England)
Rodney Parade
(Newport, Wales)
Rodney Square
(Wilmington, Delaware, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Rodney?

Rodney means “island near the clearing” or “Hroda’s island.” Those named this are usually grounded and influential, reflecting a sense of stability and leadership.

What Is the Origin of The Name Rodney?

Rodney has English origins. It is derived from a place name in Somerset, England, and was historically used to refer to someone who lived near a specific landmark or island.

Rodney Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Rodney in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#9842022	#11412023
Top 3 Rankings	#331965	#351966	#371967

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Rodney

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	1141 (-157 from 2022)	183 (-45 from 2022)	0.00999
2022	984 (-23 from 2021)	228 (-5 from 2021)	0.01217
2021	961 (-98 from 2020)	233 (-29 from 2020)	0.01244
2020	863 (-12 from 2019)	262 No change from 2019	0.01416
2019	851 (-31 from 2018)	262 (-11 from 2018)	0.01363
2018	820 (-43 from 2017)	273 (-28 from 2017)	0.01405
2017	777 (-60 from 2016)	301 (-40 from 2016)	0.01521
2016	717 (-3 from 2015)	341 (-6 from 2015)	0.01683
2015	714 (-18 from 2014)	347 (-10 from 2014)	0.01697
2014	696 (-69 from 2013)	357 (-35 from 2013)	0.01742
2013	627 (-34 from 2012)	392 (-38 from 2012)	0.01940
2012	593 (-40 from 2011)	430 (-31 from 2011)	0.02119
2011	553 (-4 from 2010)	461 (+1 from 2010)	0.02269
2010	549 (-57 from 2009)	460 (-94 from 2009)	0.02239
2009	492 (+11 from 2008)	554 (+9 from 2008)	0.02612
2008	503 (-65 from 2007)	545 (-93 from 2007)	0.02500
2007	438 (+9 from 2006)	638 (+32 from 2006)	0.02880
2006	447 No change from 2005	606 (+28 from 2005)	0.02764
2005	447 (-15 from 2004)	578 (-24 from 2004)	0.02717
2004	432 (-54 from 2003)	602 (-86 from 2003)	0.02849
2003	378 (-9 from 2002)	688 (-26 from 2002)	0.03274
2002	369 (-11 from 2001)	714 (-26 from 2001)	0.03455
2001	358 (-16 from 2000)	740 (-59 from 2000)	0.03578
2000	342 (-21 from 1999)	799 (-69 from 1999)	0.03826
1999	321 (-2 from 1998)	868 (+2 from 1998)	0.04257
1998	319 (-39 from 1997)	866 (-129 from 1997)	0.04271
1997	280 (-13 from 1996)	995 (-60 from 1996)	0.04981
1996	267 (-11 from 1995)	1055 (-44 from 1995)	0.05265
1995	256 (-12 from 1994)	1099 (-84 from 1994)	0.05464
1994	244 (-19 from 1993)	1183 (-126 from 1993)	0.05804
1993	225 (-15 from 1992)	1309 (-168 from 1992)	0.06337
1992	210 (-12 from 1991)	1477 (-83 from 1991)	0.07036
1991	198 (-17 from 1990)	1560 (-150 from 1990)	0.07360
1990	181 (-5 from 1989)	1710 (-27 from 1989)	0.07946
1989	176 (-15 from 1988)	1737 (+7 from 1988)	0.08287
1988	161 (+10 from 1987)	1730 (+134 from 1987)	0.08640
1987	171 (-5 from 1986)	1596 (-33 from 1986)	0.08184
1986	166 (+2 from 1985)	1629 (+8 from 1985)	0.08477
1985	168 (-3 from 1984)	1621 (-5 from 1984)	0.08423
1984	165 (-5 from 1983)	1626 (-68 from 1983)	0.08664
1983	160 (-15 from 1982)	1694 (-252 from 1982)	0.09090
1982	145 (-10 from 1981)	1946 (-83 from 1981)	0.10312
1981	135 (-14 from 1980)	2029 (-237 from 1980)	0.10895
1980	121 (-4 from 1979)	2266 (-32 from 1979)	0.12217
1979	117 (-15 from 1978)	2298 (-257 from 1978)	0.12829
1978	102 (-5 from 1977)	2555 (-148 from 1977)	0.14954
1977	97 (-9 from 1976)	2703 (-281 from 1976)	0.15813
1976	88 (-12 from 1975)	2984 (-600 from 1975)	0.18278
1975	76 (-4 from 1974)	3584 (-265 from 1974)	0.22091
1974	72 (-4 from 1973)	3849 (-210 from 1973)	0.23610
1973	68 (-3 from 1972)	4059 (-304 from 1972)	0.25154
1972	65 (-6 from 1971)	4363 (-832 from 1971)	0.26063
1971	59 (-4 from 1970)	5195 (-663 from 1970)	0.28577
1970	55 (-6 from 1969)	5858 (-811 from 1969)	0.30754
1969	49 (-7 from 1968)	6669 (-838 from 1968)	0.36459
1968	42 (-5 from 1967)	7507 (-931 from 1967)	0.42283
1967	37 (-2 from 1966)	8438 (-1831 from 1966)	0.47420
1966	35 (-2 from 1965)	10269 (-817 from 1965)	0.56497
1965	33 (+26 from 1964)	11086 (+5012 from 1964)	0.58514
1964	59 (+17 from 1963)	6074 (+888 from 1963)	0.29965
1963	76 No change from 1962	5186 (-252 from 1962)	0.25118
1962	76 (-4 from 1961)	5438 (-221 from 1961)	0.25874
1961	72 (-4 from 1960)	5659 (-204 from 1960)	0.26236
1960	68 (-1 from 1959)	5863 (-50 from 1959)	0.27076
1959	67 (-2 from 1958)	5913 (+49 from 1958)	0.27293
1958	65 (+5 from 1957)	5864 No change from 1957	0.27213
1957	70 (-5 from 1956)	5864 (-211 from 1956)	0.26790
1956	65 No change from 1955	6075 (+27 from 1955)	0.28305
1955	65 (+1 from 1954)	6048 (+90 from 1954)	0.28934
1954	66 (-8 from 1953)	5958 (-578 from 1953)	0.28795
1953	58 (+26 from 1952)	6536 (+2132 from 1952)	0.32644
1952	84 No change from 1951	4404 (+107 from 1951)	0.22318
1951	84 (+4 from 1950)	4297 (+441 from 1950)	0.22478
1950	88 (-1 from 1949)	3856 (+29 from 1949)	0.21201
1949	87 (+5 from 1948)	3827 (+362 from 1948)	0.21238
1948	92 (+2 from 1947)	3465 (-99 from 1947)	0.19436
1947	94 (-1 from 1946)	3564 (+260 from 1946)	0.19186
1946	93 (+12 from 1945)	3304 (+1119 from 1945)	0.20019
1945	105 (+18 from 1944)	2185 (+404 from 1944)	0.15932
1944	123 (-5 from 1943)	1781 (-203 from 1943)	0.12821
1943	118 (+3 from 1942)	1984 (+196 from 1942)	0.13639
1942	121 (+6 from 1941)	1788 (+237 from 1941)	0.12696
1941	127 (+6 from 1940)	1551 (+154 from 1940)	0.12360
1940	133 (-11 from 1939)	1397 (-49 from 1939)	0.11777
1939	122 (+11 from 1938)	1446 (+145 from 1938)	0.12759
1938	133 (+18 from 1937)	1301 (+275 from 1937)	0.11448
1937	151 (+1 from 1936)	1026 (+17 from 1936)	0.09381
1936	152 (-3 from 1935)	1009 (-18 from 1935)	0.09480
1935	149 (+11 from 1934)	1027 (+98 from 1934)	0.09602
1934	160 (+13 from 1933)	929 (+146 from 1933)	0.08748
1933	173 (-1 from 1932)	783 (-46 from 1932)	0.07675
1932	172 (+14 from 1931)	829 (+123 from 1931)	0.07716
1931	186 (+22 from 1930)	706 (+67 from 1930)	0.06600
1930	208 (+25 from 1929)	639 (+100 from 1929)	0.05657
1929	233 (-10 from 1928)	539 (-50 from 1928)	0.04866
1928	223 (+13 from 1927)	589 (+27 from 1927)	0.05161
1927	236 (+20 from 1926)	562 (+80 from 1926)	0.04837
1926	256 (+15 from 1925)	482 (+35 from 1925)	0.04208
1925	271 (+19 from 1924)	447 (+50 from 1924)	0.03882
1924	290 (-4 from 1923)	397 (+8 from 1923)	0.03396
1923	286 (-8 from 1922)	389 (-11 from 1922)	0.03436
1922	278 (+19 from 1921)	400 (+39 from 1921)	0.03555
1921	297 (+7 from 1920)	361 (+8 from 1920)	0.03172
1920	304 (+8 from 1919)	353 (+38 from 1919)	0.03207
1919	312 (+56 from 1918)	315 (+62 from 1918)	0.03102
1918	368 (-5 from 1917)	253 (+19 from 1917)	0.02413
1917	363 (-14 from 1916)	234 (-3 from 1916)	0.02439
1916	349 No change from 1915	237 (+2 from 1915)	0.02567
1915	349 (-13 from 1914)	235 (+46 from 1914)	0.02668
1914	336 (+27 from 1913)	189 (+58 from 1913)	0.02766
1913	363 (+53 from 1912)	131 (+43 from 1912)	0.02443
1912	416 (-59 from 1911)	88 (+29 from 1911)	0.01949
1911	357 (+117 from 1910)	59 (+25 from 1910)	0.02444
1910	474 (+45 from 1909)	34 (+9 from 1909)	0.01631
1909	519 (-44 from 1908)	25 (-2 from 1908)	0.01414
1908	475 (+141 from 1907)	27 (+10 from 1907)	0.01623
1907	616 (-216 from 1906)	17 (-12 from 1906)	0.01072
1906	400 (+107 from 1905)	29 (+9 from 1905)	0.02013
1905	507 (+140 from 1904)	20 (+7 from 1904)	0.01396
1904	647 (-28 from 1903)	13 No change from 1903	0.00939
1903	619 (-129 from 1902)	13 (-6 from 1902)	0.01005
1902	490 (+193 from 1901)	19 (+9 from 1901)	0.01431
1901	683 (-165 from 1900)	10 (-11 from 1900)	0.00865
1900	518 (-80 from 1899)	21 (+3 from 1899)	0.01295
1899	438 (+14 from 1898)	18 (-2 from 1898)	0.01563
1898	452 (+21 from 1897)	20 (+3 from 1897)	0.01514
1897	473 (+78 from 1896)	17 (+3 from 1896)	0.01394
1896	551 (-95 from 1895)	14 (-5 from 1895)	0.01085
1895	456 (+274 from 1894)	19 (+10 from 1894)	0.01500
1894	730 (-311 from 1893)	9 (-10 from 1893)	0.00721
1893	419 (+78 from 1892)	19 (+3 from 1892)	0.01570
1892	497 (+67 from 1891)	16 (+5 from 1891)	0.01217
1891	564 (-149 from 1890)	11 (-8 from 1890)	0.01007
1890	415 (+258 from 1889)	19 (+10 from 1889)	0.01587
1889	673 (-93 from 1888)	9 (-3 from 1888)	0.00756
1888	580 (+51 from 1887)	12 (+3 from 1887)	0.00924
1887	631 (-140 from 1886)	9 (-5 from 1886)	0.00823
1886	491 (+30 from 1885)	14 (+1 from 1885)	0.01176
1885	521 (-1 from 1884)	13 No change from 1884	0.01121
1884	520 (+36 from 1883)	13 (+2 from 1883)	0.01059
1883	556 (-16 from 1882)	11 (-1 from 1882)	0.00978
1882	540 (+241 from 1881)	12 (+6 from 1881)	0.00983
1881	781 (-276 from 1880)	6 (-7 from 1880)	0.00554
1880	505 First SSA data recorded	13 First SSA data recorded	0.01098

American States Popularity Rankings for Rodney

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#13522021

#10842022

#15772023

Texas (TX)

#10302021

#13512022

#9462023

Ohio (OH)

#5262020

#5922021

#9262023

Illinois (IL)

#14722020

#14532021

#12612022

Michigan (MI)

#7492021

#8092022

#9772023

New York (NY)

#18992020

#20072021

#15622022

Pennsylvania (PA)

#10822021

#10832022

#9652023

North Carolina (NC)

#6542021

#8532022

#14312023

Georgia (GA)

#9552021

#5682022

#13292023

Florida (FL)

#7152021

#6752022

#9262023

Louisiana (LA)

#4802019

#5222021

#5252022

Indiana (IN)

#8102018

#10302019

#8902020

Alabama (AL)

#6592021

#4352022

#5052023

Virginia (VA)

#8882020

#10472022

#11732023

Missouri (MO)

#7382019

#6752020

#6552023

Tennessee (TN)

#7982021

#11572022

#10072023

Iowa (IA)

#4782006

#5632008

#6132020

Wisconsin (WI)

#7492016

#5882018

#7482019

Kentucky (KY)

#4782016

#7192018

#6452021

Minnesota (MN)

#6372012

#8342013

#6812017

Maryland (MD)

#7592019

#9222020

#7772021

South Carolina (SC)

#6712019

#6032020

#7062023

Washington (WA)

#7452015

#8382017

#10832023

Oklahoma (OK)

#5812019

#6662020

#6662022

West Virginia (WV)

#2992009

#3752016

#3732022

Kansas (KS)

#4822009

#6112011

#6292014

Mississippi (MS)

#5272017

#5082020

#4092021

Nebraska (NE)

#3392002

#3952003

#4952019

Arkansas (AR)

#4222015

#5192018

#6072020

New Jersey (NJ)

#11082017

#10162022

#10142023

Colorado (CO)

#5352010

#8792015

#9062021

Oregon (OR)

#4822000

#6172005

#7212016

Massachusetts (MA)

#5412011

#6912013

#8582022

Utah (UT)

#7262011

#7492012

#7522016

North Dakota (ND)

#1511978

#1761979

#1221980

Hawaii (HI)

#1871995

#1581998

#2602004

South Dakota (SD)

#1771986

#1741987

#1631995

District of Columbia (DC)

#1642000

#2222002

#2272006

Maine (ME)

#1781987

#1681988

#1541991

Idaho (ID)

#2321991

#2611993

#2891994

Arizona (AZ)

#9932015

#9762020

#10062022

Connecticut (CT)

#4371997

#3531998

#4862004

Montana (MT)

#2091985

#1361991

#2041994

New Mexico (NM)

#3121994

#3151999

#4072005

Vermont (VT)

#1181973

#1141974

#811978

New Hampshire (NH)

#951973

#911974

#1811991

Wyoming (WY)

#1221975

#1001980

#1591981

Nevada (NV)

#4742008

#4642011

#5442012

Delaware (DE)

#1831991

#1801992

#1401995

Alaska (AK)

#1681989

#1701999

#2542014

Rhode Island (RI)

#1631985

#1411988

#1641992

Popularity Rankings for Rodney in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW)

#701981

#881982

#871983

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

#3182003

#2512004

#5232008

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#2821983

#2741984

#3011995

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#3291989

#3491991

#2751998

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#3151982

#2761983

#3111985

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#6952000

#5172003

#6572004

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#12952011

#13312016

#13842019

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Rodney a Name for Boys or Girls?

Rodney is fitting for boys because of its historical usage and masculine undertones, giving it a timeless appeal.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Rodney

Rodrick
Rodolfo
Roderick
Roderigo
Roderich
Rodion

Roddy
Rodge
Rodd
Rody

Rod
Ned
R.J.
Ro
Rye

Rodney in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Rodney Dangerfield (Comedian, 1921–2004): An American stand-up comedian and actor famous for his self-deprecating humor and the catchphrase "I don't get no respect."
Rodney King (Public Figure, 1965–2012): An American construction worker who became a symbol of racial tension and police brutality after a videotaped beating by LAPD officers in 1991.
Rodney Atkins (Singer, born 1969): An American country music singer celebrated for hits like "If You're Going Through Hell" and "Watching You."
Rodney Harrison (Football Player, born 1972): An American former professional football player and current television analyst, recognized for his time with the New England Patriots.
Rodney McGruder (Basketball Player, born 1991): An American professional basketball player who has played for several NBA teams.
Rodney Mullen (Skateboarder, born 1966): An American professional skateboarder considered one of the most influential street skaters in the history of the sport.
Rodney Crowell (Singer, born 1950): An American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer acclaimed for his successful solo career and collaborations with other artists.

Rodney Trotter ("Only Fools and Horses," 1981 TV Series): A lovable but dim-witted younger brother who is always involved in get-rich-quick schemes.
Rodney Copperbottom ("Robots," 2005 Film): A young robot inventor who goes to the big city to meet his idol and help other robots in need.
"Rodney" (2004 TV Series): A sitcom that follows the life of Rodney Hamilton, a down-to-earth stand-up comedian trying to make it big while supporting his family.
Rodney McKay ("Stargate Atlantis," 2004 TV Series): A brilliant but arrogant astrophysicist who plays a key role in the Stargate program.
Rodney Harrington ("Peyton Place," 1964 TV Series): A character in the soap opera who deals with numerous personal and family dramas.
Rodney Jones ("Rodney's Song," 2013 Novel): A story about a young boy's adventures and personal growth in a small town.
Rodney ("Finding Rodney," 2019 Film): A heartwarming film about a dog named Rodney who brings a family closer together.
Rodney Skinner ("The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," 2003 Film): A character known as the Invisible Man who is part of a team of extraordinary individuals.
Rodney Smith ("Rodney's Journey," 2016 TV Series): A drama series following the life and struggles of Rodney Smith as he navigates career and personal challenges.
Rodney ("Rodney's Adventure," 2018 Animated Film): An animated film about a young boy named Rodney who goes on magical adventures in his dreams.

Rodney Village (Delaware, USA): A census-designated place in Kent County, known for its residential community.
Rodney Bay (Gros Islet, Saint Lucia): A popular tourist destination with a large marina and beautiful beaches.
Rodney Street (Liverpool, England): A well-known street famous for its historical architecture and the birthplace of several notable individuals.
Rodney Parade (Newport, Wales): A sports ground that hosts rugby and football matches.
Rodney Square (Wilmington, Delaware, USA): A central public square in downtown Wilmington, known for its historic buildings and public events.
Rodney Lake (British Columbia, Canada): A picturesque lake located in the Cariboo region.
Rodney Island (Queensland, Australia): A small island part of the Frankland Islands group, known for its coral reefs and marine life.

Meaning: Wide meadow
Origin: Old English, FrenchSydney
Meaning: Broad wood broad meadow
Origin: EnglishBradley
Meaning: Battle worthy, blazing iron
Origin: Old FrenchHarvey
Stanley
Meaning: Western meadow
Origin: EnglishWesley
Darcy
Meaning: Marshy meadow, pleasant wood, marten wood
Origin: EnglishMarley
Monty
Rigby
Ramsey

Glen
Heath
Milton
Perry
Waverly
Lyle
Meaning: Pilgrim, he who holds the palm, palm tree
Origin: Old English, Norman French, Scottish, German, CatalanPalmer
Brook
Dale
Fielding

Sibling Names for Rodney

For a Brother
For a Sister

Abram
Basil
Cedric
Duncan
Meaning: Universal, whole, truth
Origin: German, EnglishEmmett
Fraser
Gareth
Meaning: Battle worthy, blazing iron
Origin: Old FrenchHarvey
Meaning: With many elm trees, elm grove
Origin: ScottishLennox
Quinton

Meaning: Nobility, noble
Origin: GermanAda
Blythe
Meaning: Glory, fame, rumor, praise, credit, acclaim
Origin: GreekCleo
Meaning: Noble
Origin: GermanDella
Elin
Flora
Greta
Meaning: Home, estate ruler
Origin: EnglishHattie
Ione
Meaning: Young
Origin: LatinJune

Parents Who Like the Name Rodney Also Like

Vaughn
Meaning: Scribe, secretary, cleric, scholar, clerk
Origin: EnglishClark
Meaning: Son of the king
Origin: EnglishRoyce
Meaning: From South munster, gracious defender
Origin: IrishDesmond
Wallace
Meaning: Bald, hairless, little bald one
Origin: Latin, FrenchCalvin
Merrill
Sterling
Meaning: Brave counsel
Origin: GermanConrad
Duncan

Rodney’s roots run deep and its popularity is growing. Like, comment, and discover more great names with me!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Rodney Name Meaning