Tod

Tod is an English given name that originated as a variant of Todd. The name Todd is derived from the English surname Todd, which itself comes from the Middle English word todde, meaning "fox." As a first name, Todd was rare before 1930 but experienced a surge in popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1960s and 1970s, before declining again.

Tod represents a simplified spelling variant of Todd, and it is also used as a given name in its own right. Notable individuals named Tod include Tod Browning (1880–1962), an American film director recognized for his work on horror and dark fantasy films such as Dracula and Freaks. Contemporary figures include Tod Ashley (born 1965), an American singer-songwriter known for the band Firewater, and Tod Goldberg (born 1971), a mystery and crime novelist. Canadian actor Tod Fennell (born 1984) is another bearer, known for his role in the television series The Zack Files.

The name Tod is less common than Todd, which is more widespread as both a given name and a surname. Todd was originally a nickname or occupational name for a person who resembled a fox in some way, perhaps in craftiness or red hair. As a given name, Tod shares the same etymological roots and can be considered an alternative form.

The popularity of Todd and its variant Tod rose in the mid-20th century, with Todd ranking in the top 100 names for boys in the United States from the 1940s to the 1990s. By comparison, Tod remained substantially less common. In popular culture, the name is borne by characters such as Tod (a movie reviewer on the 1960s television program Siskel & Ebert) emphasizing its familiar yet distinct quality.

Notable Bearers

• Tod Dickinson (born 1972), American politician and LGBTQ activist
• Tod Murphy (born 1963), American professional basketball player
• Tod Williams (born 1978), American ice hockey player

Key Facts

• Meaning: Variant of Todd, derived from Middle English todde "fox"
• Origin: English
• Type: Given name (male)
• Usage regions: English-speaking world
• Related names: Todd