FREDERICK
Frederick
Frederick is a British surname of Germanic origin, meaning "peaceful ruler". The name gained popularity in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when it was introduced by the Normans.
Origins
The surname Frederick is believed to have originated from the Germanic elements "fridu" meaning "peace" and "ric" meaning "ruler". It was first used as a given name and later evolved into a surname. The early bearers of the name were often associated with qualities such as leadership and peacekeeping.
Distribution
The surname Frederick is fairly common in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions that historically had Norman influence such as Normandy, London, and Kent. Over time, the surname has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Notable People
- Sir John Frederick (1769-1845) - British politician and Member of Parliament.
- Sophie Frederick (born 1987) - British actress known for her roles in theatre and television.
- William Frederick (1825-1897) - English painter famous for his landscape paintings.
Variants
Variants of the surname Frederick include Fredrick, Fredricks, and Fredric. Over time, these variants may have emerged due to regional dialects and differences in spelling conventions.
Conclusion
The surname Frederick has a rich history and has been borne by individuals of varying backgrounds and accomplishments. Its prevalence in the United Kingdom and beyond reflects the enduring legacy of Norman influences on British culture and society.
There are approximately 1,277 people named Frederick in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,099th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Frederick.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Region of origin: Europe
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Brian
- Charles
- Christopher
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Michael
- Robert
- Thomas
Female
- Catherine
- Christine
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Joan
- Joanne
- Kim
- Margaret
- Mary
- Natalie
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Stella
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Fredericks
- Freddrick
- Frederic
- Fredericksen
- Frederickson
- Frederickx
- Frederico
- Frederikins
- Frederiks
- Frederiksen
- Frederikson
- Frederique
- Fredreck
- Fredric
- Fredrick
- Fredricks
- Fredrik
- Freeder
- Frieder
- Friederich
- Friederichs
- Friederick
- Friedericks
- Friedrick
- Friedricks
- Frader
- Fredricksen
- Fredrickson
- Freeriks
- Frericks
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.