The name Frederick has its origins in the Germanic languages, deriving from the compound words "frid" meaning peace and "ric" meaning ruler or power. It essentially translates to "peaceful ruler" or "rich in peace." The name can be traced back to the 8th century and was popular among Germanic tribes like the Franks and Saxons.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Frankish king Frederic I, who ruled the Frankish Kingdom from 484 to 497 AD. The name gained widespread popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly after the reign of Frederick I Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 to 1190.

In the 12th century, the name appeared in the famous medieval epic poem "Nibelungenlied," which recounted the adventures of the Burgundian hero Frederic. This literary work helped to further establish the name's prominence in medieval European culture.

Throughout history, the name Frederick has been borne by several notable figures, including Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor from 1220 to 1250, known for his patronage of the arts and sciences. Another famous bearer was Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, who was a renowned military leader and patron of Enlightenment philosophy.

In the 19th century, Frederick Douglass, the American social reformer and abolitionist, was born into slavery in 1818 and became a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement. The name also gained literary significance through the works of Frederick Schiller, the German playwright, and poet who lived from 1759 to 1805.

The name Frederick has also been associated with royalty, including Frederick IX, the King of Denmark from 1947 to 1972, and Frederick, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne during the early 18th century.