Origin & Meaning of the Rodney Surname
What does the last name Rodney mean?
The surname Rodney carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,089 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rodney ranks as the #8,106 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rodney come from?
The Rodney surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Rodney name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rodney trace back to English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Rodney |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,106 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,089 |
| Per 100K People | 1.39 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rodney
According to the US Census, the Rodney surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,089 Americans with the Rodney last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 41.72% |
| Black | 51.06% |
| Hispanic | 4.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.78% |
| Native American | 0.29% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Rodney Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rodney surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rodney surname decreased by 2,307 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Rodney Family
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- ✓ The Rodney coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Rodney families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Rodney
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rodney.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Rodney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rodney
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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