Surname Rodd - Meaning and Origin
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Rodd: What does the surname Rodd mean?
The surname Rodd is likely of Anglo-Saxon origin, evolving from the Old English personal name "Rodd", which may have been a diminutive form of the more common names "Rodbert" or "Roderick". The term "Rodd" itself is thought to mean "clearing" in Old English, indicating the family who originally took on the name likely lived in or near a clearing in a wood. Over time, the name has been modified and changed, and appears in varying forms including Rhodes, Rodes, Rhoades, Roads, and Rodd, among others. As with most surnames, the transition from first name to surname likely happened gradually as a way for people to be more specifically identified, such as "Rodd from the woodland clearing". Over time this would become simply "Rodd". The surname is predominantly found in England, particularly in the counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire.
Order DNA origin analysisRodd: Where does the name Rodd come from?
The last name Rodd can be found in many different countries and regions around the world today. In the United States, Rodd is most commonly found in the New England region, particularly in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is also seen in other areas such as Florida, California, and Texas.
The last name also has a notable presence in England, particularly around the southwestern counties of Hampshire and Somerset. It is particularly common in the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton.
In Canada, Rodds are found throughout the country, but most prominently in parts of Ontario and British Columbia. It is most often seen in metropolitan areas and suburbs, such as Toronto and Vancouver.
In Europe, the last name Rodd can be found in many countries including Germany, Spain, Austria, Poland, and Italy. It is particularly common in the city of Berlin, Germany.
In the countries of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, Rodd can be found in the large expatriate population. It is believed that the majority of those individuals likely originate from the United Kingdom or the United States.
So while the last name Rodd does have a presence in many different regions around the world, it is most commonly found in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe.
Variations of the surname Rodd
The surname Rodd, also spelled Rod or Rode, is of English origin. This surname is derived from an Old English personal name, from the pre 7th century 'Hrothweard' or 'Hrodward'. Early records show variants for the name in various spellings such as Rod, Rode, Rodd and Rodda.
Bearers of the surname Rodd can trace their heritage to many locations throughout England, including Devon, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire and Worcestershire.
Historically, the variants Rod and Rodd have primarily been associated with the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Somerset. The spellings Rode and Rodda are most often associated with the counties of Suffolk, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
The variants for the surname Rodd have evolved over time and today include, but are not limited to, the following: Radden, Raddick, Radke, Ratcliffe, Ratliff, Rede, Redfern, Redman, Robson, Roddington, Roddis, Roden, Rodes, Rodger, Rogan, Rogers, Rogerson, Rolan and Rollo.
Other surnames that have developed from the original Rodd surname include Rudd, Ruddock, Rudkin, Rudge, Rudkin, Ruddick, Rutledge and Rutter.
In addition to the variants detailed above, families bearing the surname Rodd may have also adopted the use of patronymics and metronymics. A patronymic is a surname derived from one's father's personal name, while a metronymic is a name derived from one's mother's given name. Examples of patronymics derived from Rodd include Ruddockson, Ruddicks, Rogerson and Roddsons. Examples of metronymics derived from Rodd include Ruddick and Reddick.
Famous people with the name Rodd
- Judge John Bascombe Rodd CBE: Governor, Fiji (1977–1979).
- Alfredo Rodd: Chilean historian.
- Toni Rodd: Australian painter and illustrator, best known for botanical art.
- John Rodd: British physicist and mathematician who invented Rodd's law.
- Jonathan Rodd: British composer.
- Daniel Rodd: Irish landscape painter.
- Mark Rodd: New Zealand wrestler.
- Mary Ellen Rodd: Australian artist, known for her works in landscape and urban painting.
- Michael Rodd: British TV presenter and journalist.
- Roddy Piper: Scottish-Canadian professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Rowdy Roddy Piper.
- Roger Rodd: Australian rugby union player.
- Edith Rodd: British actress.
- Remington Rodd: American ethnologist and documentary filmmaker.
- Richard Rodd: British aristocrat and Lord of the Manor of Croxton.
- Thomas S. Rodd: American aviator and pioneering airmail pilot.
- Frank Rodd: British author and journalist.
- Thomas Rodd: British medical doctor and naturalist.
- Hugh Rodd: British Anglican priest.
- Tamsin Rodd: Australian artist, known for her works in calligraphy and lettering.
- Michael Rodd: British voice actor and radio presenter.