"peaceful ruler"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Frederick
Pronunciation: [ fr-EHDR-ihk ]
Does Frederick flow with your last name?
A royal name with a friendly nickname
English
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Meaning & Origin
"peace power"
Origin: Old German
Language: German
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The Story of Frederick
Frederick comes from the Old German name Friedarich, composed of 'frid' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler, power). It was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century and became popular among European royalty. By the 18th century it was firmly established in the English-speaking world through the influence of King Frederick the Great of Prussia.
Frederick was a mainstay in the US top 50 from the 1880s through the 1950s before gradually declining. Today it's experiencing a quiet revival among parents who appreciate its patrician weight and the accessible nickname Fred, which has shed its stuffy associations.
The name has been borne by at least nine Holy Roman Emperors, three German emperors, and countless European monarchs, making it one of the most historically significant names in Western history. In African-American history, Frederick Douglass gave the name extraordinary moral weight.
Historical Record
Frederick first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 132,058 babies have been named Frederick in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Frederick is past its peak , currently ranked #424 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Frederick the Great of Prussia was one of history's most celebrated military commanders and an accomplished flutist
- Frederick Douglass, born enslaved, became one of America's greatest orators and abolitionists
- The name Frederick appears in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera 'The Pirates of Penzance'
Frederick in Other Languages
French
Frédéric
German
Friedrich
Polish
Fryderyk
Italian
Federico
Spanish
Federico
Swedish
Fredrik
Popularity Over Time
#424
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Frederick
F
Freddie Mercury
Musician
1946
Lead singer of Queen, widely considered one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time
F
Frederick Douglass
Activist
1818
American abolitionist, writer, and statesman who escaped slavery to become one of America's greatest orators
F
Frederick the Great
Military
1712
King of Prussia who transformed his kingdom into a major European power and was a patron of the arts
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Compare Frederick with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #424
- Total SSA Count
- 741
- Cultural Origins
- English German Scandinavian French American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Fred
Freddy
Rick
Ricky
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Frederick
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Frederick is also used as a girl name, ranked #70343.
View Frederick as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick
What does the name Frederick mean?
"peaceful ruler" (from Germanic). "peace power" (from Old German). Frederick comes from the Old German name Friedarich, composed of 'frid' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler, power). It was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century and became popular among European royalty. By the 18th century it was firmly established in the English-speaking world through the influence of King Frederick the Great of Prussia.
What is the origin of the name Frederick?
Frederick has Germanic, Old German, English, German, Scandinavian, French, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "peaceful ruler". In Old German, it means "peace power".
Is Frederick a boy or girl name?
Frederick is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #424. As a girl name, it is ranked #70343. Frederick is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Frederick?
Frederick is pronounced fr-EHDR-ihk.
How popular is the name Frederick?
Frederick is currently ranked #424 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Frederick?
Common nicknames for Frederick include Fred, Freddy, Rick, and Ricky.
What are good middle names for Frederick?
Popular middle name pairings include Frederick James, Frederick William, Frederick Charles, Frederick John, Frederick Henry, Frederick Louis, and Frederick Arthur.
What are good sibling names for Frederick?
Names that pair well with Frederick as siblings include Eleanor, Charlotte, George, Arthur, Margaret, Henry, and Beatrice.
How many syllables does Frederick have?
Frederick has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Frederick a common or rare name?
Frederick is a popular name, ranked #424 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Frederick?
About the Name Frederick
Frederick is a boy name with English, German, Scandinavian, French, and American origins . The name means "peaceful ruler" in Germanic .
Is Frederick a boy or girl name? Frederick is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #424 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,343. Frederick is more commonly used as a boy name.
Frederick is currently ranked #424 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Frederick has 3 syllables and is pronounced fr-EHDR-ihk, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Frederick include Fred, Freddy, Rick, and Ricky. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Frederick include Freddy, Fredrick, Fred, Fredy, Freddie . 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