The name Fredrick originated from the Germanic name Frithurīc, which is a combination of two words: frith (peace) and rīc (ruler or power). This name dates back to at least the 8th century and was initially popular among the Franks and other Germanic tribes.

The name first appeared in written records during the Middle Ages, often spelled as Frederic, Frederic, or Fredrich. It gained widespread popularity after the reign of the Frankish king Frederic Barbarossa (c. 1122-1190), who was one of the most influential Holy Roman Emperors.

In the 13th century, the name was introduced to England by the Norman French, where it was adapted to the spelling Fredrick. One of the earliest recorded instances of this spelling is found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which lists a Fredrick de Luyton from Oxfordshire.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Fredrick. One of the most famous was Fredrick the Great (1712-1786), the King of Prussia who is renowned for his military prowess and his role in the Enlightenment. Another famous Fredrick was the German philosopher Fredrick Nietzsche (1844-1900), whose works had a profound impact on modern intellectual thought.

In the realm of literature, Fredrick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) was an influential African-American social reformer, abolitionist, and writer who escaped slavery and became a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement. The English poet and playwright Fredrick Handel (1685-1759) is also remembered for his enduring contributions to Baroque music, including the renowned oratorio "Messiah."

In more recent times, the American actor Fredrick March (1897-1975) won two Academy Awards for his performances in the films "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931) and "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946), cementing his place in Hollywood history.