Fredrick is a name of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements "frith" meaning peaceful and "ric" meaning powerful. The name Fredrick is associated with the Germanic tribe called the Frisians who lived along the North Sea coast. The name was popularized by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century.
The name Fredrick has been used for centuries, with notable figures such as Frederick the Great, who ruled Prussia in the 18th century and Frederick Douglass, an American social reformer and abolitionist in the 19th century. Despite its historical significance, Fredrick remains a relatively uncommon name today, which may contribute to its unique charm.
In terms of popularity, Fredrick peaked in the United States during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, but has since declined in usage. However, it is still used occasionally and can make for an interesting and distinctive choice for a child's name. Overall, Fredrick is a historic and meaningful name with a unique sound that may appeal to those looking for something different.
Fredrick is a name that has been given to newborns consistently over the past century and a half in the United States. The statistics show a varied trend with regards to its popularity among parents choosing names for their children.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a steady stream of Fredrick births each year, ranging from as low as 43 in 1899 to a high of 241 in 1913. However, it was during the period between World War I and II that the name started to gain significant traction, with over 500 births per year consistently recorded from 1920 onwards.
The peak popularity for the name Fredrick came post-WWII, during the baby boom years of the 1940s and 50s. During this time, the number of newborn boys named Fredrick exceeded 1000 each year between 1946 and 1953, reaching a peak of 1341 in 1953.
However, like many names that gain popularity during times of economic prosperity and social stability, Fredrick's popularity started to decline post the 1960s. The number of newborn boys named Fredrick fell below the 800 mark consistently from 1962 onwards, reaching a low point in 2005 with only 191 births recorded.
Despite this steady decline over the past few decades, the name Fredrick has maintained a consistent presence among new-borns in recent years. Between 2013 and 2022, there have been around 130 to 157 births per year with the name Fredrick, showing that it continues to hold appeal for parents choosing names for their sons.
In conclusion, while Fredrick may not be as popular a name today as it was in its heyday during the mid-20th century, it has consistently been among the names given to newborn boys over the past 150 years. This steadfastness is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic name choice.