"fox"
Origin: Old English/Scottish dialect
Language: English
Tod
Pronunciation: [ t-AHD ]
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Sharp as a fox, simple as the land
English
Scottish
American
Short
Strong
Vintage
Rugged
Simple
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"a thick bush or clump of ivy"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
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The Story of Tod
Tod is an Old English and Scottish dialect word meaning fox, derived from Middle English tod or todde. In northern England and Scotland, tod was the common word for a fox long before fox became universal, and it also described a bush or thick clump of ivy that foxes might hide in. As a surname, Tod/Todd indicated someone who lived near such a thicket or had fox-like qualities — cleverness, speed, cunning. It evolved into a given name in the 20th century, primarily in America.
Tod (and its double-d variant Todd) peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s through 1970s as part of the broader trend for short, strong masculine names that felt modern and uncomplicated.
The fox symbolism gives Tod a subtle layer of meaning — cleverness, adaptability, and quick thinking are all associated with the fox in folklore traditions across cultures, from Aesops fables to Native American stories.
Historical Record
Tod first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,291 babies have been named Tod in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tod is past its peak , currently ranked #38,200 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Tod meaning fox survives in several English place names, particularly in Scotland and northern England
- In Aesops fables, the fox is consistently the symbol of cleverness and cunning over brute strength
Tod in Other Languages
French
Renard
German
Fuchs
Spanish
Tod
Japanese
トッド
Popularity Over Time
#38,200
Current Rank
Peaked 1962
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tod
T
Tod Browning
Other
1880
American film director famous for Dracula (1931) and Freaks (1932)
T
Tod the Fox Fictional
Other
Main character of Disneys The Fox and the Hound (1981)
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #38,200
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tod
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Tod
Phonetic neighbors that share Tod's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tod
What does the name Tod mean?
"fox" (from Old English/Scottish dialect). "a thick bush or clump of ivy" (from Middle English). Tod is an Old English and Scottish dialect word meaning fox, derived from Middle English tod or todde. In northern England and Scotland, tod was the common word for a fox long before fox became universal, and it also described a bush or thick clump of ivy that foxes might hide in. As a surname, Tod/Todd indicated someone who lived near such a thicket or had fox-like qualities — cleverness, speed, cunning. It evolved into a given name in the 20th century, primarily in America.
What is the origin of the name Tod?
Tod has Old English/Scottish dialect, Middle English, English, Scottish, and American origins. In Old English/Scottish dialect, it means "fox". In Middle English, it means "a thick bush or clump of ivy".
Is Tod a boy or girl name?
Tod is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Tod?
Tod is pronounced t-AHD.
How popular is the name Tod?
Tod is currently ranked #38200 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Tod?
Popular middle name pairings include Tod James, Tod Allen, Tod Michael, Tod Lee, and Tod Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Tod?
Names that pair well with Tod as siblings include Brad, Scott, Kent, and Dale.
How many syllables does Tod have?
Tod has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tod a common or rare name?
Tod is an uncommon name, ranked #38200 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Tod?
Are there other spellings for Tod?
Related spellings include Todd.
About the Name Tod
Tod is a boy name with English, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "fox" in Old English/Scottish dialect .
Tod is currently ranked #38,200 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tod has 1 syllable and is pronounced t-AHD, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Tod include Todd . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis