Frederick
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What does the baby name Frederick mean? Learn about what Frederick means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Frederick - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Frederick
- F-R-E-D-E-R-I-C-K, is a 9-letter male given name.
- Pronunciation of Frederick
- FRED-rik
- FRED eh rik
- Meaning of Frederick
- Peaceful ruler, peace ruler, calm monarch, peace-keeper.
- Origin of Frederick
- The name 'Frederick' has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Old High German name 'Friduric', which means 'peaceful ruler' or 'peaceful king'. It is composed of the elements 'fridu', meaning 'peace', and 'ric', meaning 'ruler' or 'king'. The earliest known use of the name 'Frederick' dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was commonly used among Germanic-speaking populations.
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- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Frederick
- Eric
- Erich
- Erico
- Erik
- Federico
- Federigo
- Fred
- Freddie
- Fredek
- Frederico
- Frederigo
- Fridrich
- Friedel
- Friedrich
- Fritz
- Fritzchen
- Fritzl
- Rick
- Ricky
- Popularity of Frederick
- The popularity of the name 'Frederick' has fluctuated over time. In the 19th century, it was a commonly used name, particularly among English-speaking countries. It reached its peak popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ranking consistently among the top 100 names for boys. However, its popularity has declined in recent decades, with fewer parents choosing the name for their children.
- Frederick currently has 99 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked boy's names. The name Mohammed is slightly more popular than Frederick.
Etymology of Frederick
As mentioned earlier, the name 'Frederick' is derived from the Old High German 'Friduric'. The element 'fridu' is related to the Old English word 'frith', which also means 'peace'. The element 'ric', meaning 'ruler' or 'king', can be found in various Germanic names, such as Richard and Eric. Therefore, the name 'Frederick' can be interpreted as a combination of peace and leadership, suggesting a harmonious and authoritative character.
Cultural Significance of Frederick
The name 'Frederick' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In German history, several notable rulers bore the name 'Frederick', including 'Frederick' the Great, who was the King of Prussia in the 18th century. 'Frederick' the Great is remembered for his military successes, administrative reforms, and patronage of the arts, making the name 'Frederick' synonymous with leadership, intelligence, and cultural refinement.