Rodney
Meaning: Hroda's island or famous island
Origin: Old English
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #63
Total births: 9,491
History: Rodney peaked in the 1960s-70s in Australia. Rod Laver — perhaps the greatest tennis player ever — won the Grand Slam twice. Laver Arena at Melbourne Park honors him. In Australian tennis, Rodney/Rod means undisputed greatness.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1983) | #87 |
| Babies named Rodney in 1983 | 84 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 9,491 |
| Peak year | 1966 (550 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #17 |
| Years in records | 1952–1983 (32 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 33 spots |
Frequently asked about Rodney
What does the name Rodney mean?
Rodney means “Hroda's island or famous island” from Old English roots.
What is the origin of the name Rodney?
Rodney has Old English origin. The traditional meaning is “Hroda's island or famous island”.
How popular is Rodney in Australia?
Rodney ranked #87 in Australia in 1983 — given to 84 babies that year.
When was Rodney most popular?
Rodney peaked in 1966 with 550 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Rodney a boy or girl name?
Rodney is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Rodneys in registered births are male.
Is the name Rodney rising or falling in popularity?
Rodney has fallen 33 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #54 in 1978 to #87 in 1983.
How long has Rodney been recorded in Australia?
Rodney appears in birth records in Australia across 32 years — from 1952 through 1983.