"roe deer forest, deer wood"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: English
Roscoe
Pronunciation: [ r-AHSK-oh ]
Does Roscoe flow with your last name?
Deer-forest charm — the coolest old-timey name making a comeback
English
American
Vintage
Playful
Bold
Whimsical
Earthy
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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.
Historical Record
Roscoe first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,154 babies have been named Roscoe in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Roscoe is past its peak , currently ranked #2,175 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,175
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Roscoe
R
Roscoe Dash
Musician
1989
American rapper and singer known for the hit All the Way Turnt Up
R
Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle
Actor
1887
Silent film star and comedian, one of the biggest box office draws of early Hollywood
R
Roscoe P. Coltrane Fictional
Other
Bumbling fictional sheriff in The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985), played by James Best
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Roscoe
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Roscoe is also used as a girl name, ranked #37229.
View Roscoe as a girl name →Similar Names
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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.
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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