Boy · 65th of 10,718
Rodney
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
248,127
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1965
Peak Popularity Year
11,132
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Rodney stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Rodney is an Old English name meaning 'famous island'. It evolved from earlier forms and was popularized in the 18th century due to notable figures. The name is associated with traits of fame and stability, and it has no direct biblical significance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈrɒd.ni/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Rodney is derived from the Old English elements 'rod' meaning 'hroth' or 'fame' and 'eg' meaning 'island' or 'riverbank'.
Meaning
famous island
Language Evolution
Rodney, Rodne, Rodni
Historical Usage
Rodney gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in England, due in part to the influence of Admiral George Rodney, a British naval officer.
Variants & Derivatives
Rod, Roddy
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Rodney is viewed as a classic name that carries a sense of tradition and stability, though it has become less common in recent decades.
Famous People
Admiral George Rodney, Rodney Dangerfield, Rodney Carrington
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 11,132 peak births in 1965
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 313th of 7545 | 5,339 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 145th of 6773 | 21,509 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 76th of 7552 | 97,198 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 65th of 10718 | 83,684 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 189th of 16616 | 25,001 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 415th of 24088 | 10,546 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 821st of 23106 | 3,380 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6038th of 9107 | 29 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3972nd of 9204 | 95 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2863rd of 12526 | 312 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2325th of 19264 | 557 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6926th of 27321 | 173 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 32005th of 35406 | 9 |