Rhodes Meaning and Origin
Rhodes is a surname that can have different origins and meanings. In England, “Rhodes” is a habitational name for someone who lived near a clearing in a forest, from the Old English word “rod” meaning “clearing” and the Middle English word “rodes.” Alternatively, it could be a locational name for someone who came from the town of Rhodes in West Yorkshire. Rhodes is also a Greek name that refers to the island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. In Greek mythology, the island was named after the sun god Helios’ daughter, Rhodos. Rhodes is also a Jewish surname that likely originated in the medieval Rhineland region of Germany. Many Jews who lived in this area adopted “Rhodes” as a surname when they were required to take permanent surnames in the late 18th century. In the United States, “Rhodes” is also a surname with African-American roots. It may have originated from slave owners who named their slaves after the Greek island of Rhodes, or from former slaves who chose the name themselves after being freed. Rhodes is an old-fashioned name that has now become super rare and nostalgic. The nickname Odie is definitely a bonus for this one.Â
Names similar to Rhodes:
- Hudson
- Brooks
- Pierce
- Easton
- Grant
- Dalton
- Mercer
- Archer
- Mason
- Sawyer
Posts with the name Rhodes:
