Roscoe

Pronunciation: [ r-AHSK-oh ]

Boy Name #2,175 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Deer-forest charm — the coolest old-timey name making a comeback

English American

Vintage Playful Bold Whimsical Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"roe deer forest, deer wood"

Origin: Old Norse

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with Roscoe P. Coltrane, the bumbling sheriff from The Dukes of Hazzard

The Story of Roscoe

Roscoe is an English surname derived from Old Norse place names: 'rá' (roe deer) and 'skógr' (forest, wood) — literally 'the roe deer's wood' or 'deer forest.' Viking settlers in northern England left behind this place name, which became a surname for families from the area. It gained use as a given name in the 19th century, popular in Victorian England and early 20th-century America.

Roscoe was a common American given name in the late 1800s-early 1900s. It faded significantly through the mid-20th century but has been experiencing a hipster revival since the 2010s as part of the trend for old-fashioned, distinctive names. It now ranks as one of the fastest-rising vintage names.

Roscoe carries the warm, eccentric energy of early American naming. It has strong associations with old-timey Americana — jazz, vaudeville, and classic Hollywood. The revival of Roscoe reflects a broader taste for names that feel genuinely vintage rather than merely old.

Fun Facts

Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle was one of silent film's biggest stars in the 1910s-20s
The name has been rising steadily since 2010 as parents seek authentic vintage names
Old Norse place names like Roscoe dot the landscape of northern England where Vikings settled

Roscoe in Other Languages

English Roscoe

Spanish Roscoe

Old Norse Rádaskógr

Famous People Named Roscoe

Roscoe Dash

Musician

1989

American rapper and singer known for the hit All the Way Turnt Up

Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle

Actor

1887

Silent film star and comedian, one of the biggest box office draws of early Hollywood

Roscoe P. Coltrane Fictional

Other

Bumbling fictional sheriff in The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985), played by James Best

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,175
Total SSA Count: 67
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Ross Ros

Pairs Well With

Roscoe James Roscoe Lee Roscoe Dean Roscoe Ray Roscoe Earl Roscoe Blake

Sibling Names

Clyde Benny Louie Mabel Hazel Pearl

Also a Girl Name

Roscoe is also used as a girl name, ranked #37229.

View Roscoe as a girl name →

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Roxie Roxanna Robbie Ruthie Tony Josh Romeo Rene

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Frequently Asked Questions About Roscoe

What does the name Roscoe mean?

"roe deer forest, deer wood" (from Old Norse). Roscoe is an English surname derived from Old Norse place names: 'rá' (roe deer) and 'skógr' (forest, wood) — literally 'the roe deer's wood' or 'deer forest.' Viking settlers in northern England left behind this place name, which became a surname for families from the area. It gained use as a given name in the 19th century, popular in Victorian England and early 20th-century America.

What is the origin of the name Roscoe?

Roscoe has Old Norse, English, and American origins. In Old Norse, it means "roe deer forest, deer wood".

Is Roscoe a boy or girl name?

Roscoe is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2175. As a girl name, it is ranked #37229. Roscoe is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Roscoe?

Roscoe is pronounced r-AHSK-oh.

How popular is the name Roscoe?

Roscoe is currently ranked #2175 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Roscoe?

Common nicknames for Roscoe include Ross and Ros.

What are good middle names for Roscoe?

Popular middle name pairings include Roscoe James, Roscoe Lee, Roscoe Dean, Roscoe Ray, Roscoe Earl, and Roscoe Blake.

What are good sibling names for Roscoe?

Names that pair well with Roscoe as siblings include Clyde, Benny, Louie, Mabel, Hazel, and Pearl.

How many syllables does Roscoe have?

Roscoe has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Roscoe a common or rare name?

Roscoe is an uncommon name, ranked #2175 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Roscoe

Roscoe is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "roe deer forest, deer wood" in Old Norse .

Is Roscoe a boy or girl name? Roscoe is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,175 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #37,229. Roscoe is more commonly used as a boy name.

Roscoe is currently ranked #2,175 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Roscoe has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-AHSK-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Roscoe include Ross and Ros. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.