Fredric is a variant of the name Frederick, ultimately derived from Old German elements meaning "peaceful ruler." The spelling Fredric represents a less common but occasionally encountered Anglicized form.EtymologyThe Germanic root fridu means "peace," while rih means "ruler" or "king," combining to form the meaning "peaceful ruler." This name has been borne by numerous rulers throughout Germanic history, including Holy Roman Emperors, Prussian kings, and Scandinavian monarchs.Notable BearersWhile the variant Fredric is less common than Frederick, it appears among notable figures such as Swedish actor Fredric (Friedrich) Löwing and American singer Fredric Ehm (sic). The variant Fredrick is also a more common alternative spelled with a 'k'.Cultural SignificanceIntroduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century, the name died out and was later revived by the German House of Hanover in the 18th century. A famous bearer of the standard form was Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist. The related name Frederic is given an Occitan spelling.VariantsOther variant spellings include Fredrick, while diminutives include Fred, Freddie, and Freddy. The feminine form is Frederica. In other languages, examples include Czech Bedřich and Dutch Freek.Meaning: Peaceful rulerOrigin: Germanic (Old High German)Type: First nameUsage regions: English-speaking world