Find out how popular the first name Rodney has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rodney by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rodney is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Rodney being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 183 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rodney.

The history of the first name Rodney

The name Rodney has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the elements "rod" meaning "fame" or "glory" and "ney" meaning "island" or "promontory." It was initially a surname given to those who lived on a small island or prominent landmass.

The earliest recorded use of Rodney as a given name dates back to the 12th century in England. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Rodney de Lisle, a Norman nobleman who lived in the late 12th century and held lands in Wiltshire, England.

In the 13th century, Sir Rodney de Dunstanville was a prominent English knight and landowner who fought in the Barons' War against King Henry III. He played a significant role in the conflict and was captured at the Battle of Northampton in 1264.

Another notable figure named Rodney was Sir George Brydges Rodney, 1st Baron Rodney (1718-1792), a British naval officer who achieved fame during the American Revolutionary War. He is best remembered for his decisive victory over the French fleet at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782, which helped secure Britain's naval supremacy in the Caribbean.

In the literary realm, Rodney Whitaker was the pen name of the American author and journalist Gavin Lambert (1924-2005), who wrote several novels and biographies, including the acclaimed "The Sliding Demise" and a biography of Natalie Wood.

Rodney King (1965-2012) was an American construction worker whose brutal beating by Los Angeles police officers in 1991 was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage and protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

While the name Rodney has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the centuries, it has maintained a consistent presence as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its rich historical roots and associations with notable figures contribute to its enduring appeal.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rodney was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rodney, please contact us.

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