Meaning & History
Fredrick is a variant spelling of the masculine given name Frederick, which is the English form of the Old German name Friedrich. The name derives from the Germanic elements fridu meaning “peace” and rih meaning “ruler, king,” thus signifying “peaceful ruler.”
Etymology and History
The name Frederick has a long and distinguished history in continental Germanic-speaking regions. It was borne by numerous rulers of the Holy Roman Empire, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, and Prussia. Notable historical figures include the 12th-century Holy Roman Emperor and crusader Frederick I Barbarossa, the 13th-century emperor and patron of the arts Frederick II, and the 18th-century Frederick II of Prussia, known as Frederick the Great.
The Normans introduced Frederick to England in the 11th century, but the name fell out of use there quickly. It was revived in the 18th century by the German House of Hanover when they inherited the British throne. In the United States, Frederick ranked among the top 100 names for boys from 1880 to 1957, with a notable bearer being Frederick Douglass (1818–1895), an African-American social reformator and abolitionist orator.
Variants and Related Names
The variant spelling Fredrick is less common than Frederick, but both are established. Diminutives include Fred, Freddie, and Freddy. The feminine form is Frederica. Other language variants include Frederic (Occitan), Bedřich (Czech), and Frederik (Low German).
- Meaning: “Peaceful ruler” (from Germanic elements frid “peace” and ric “ruler”)
- Origin: Old German; adopted in English via Norman and Hanoverian influence
- Type: Variant spelling of the classic given name Frederick
- Usage: English-speaking countries (especially among older generations; declined in popularity since mid-20th century)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Frederick (given name)