Family Tree Names

Dropping the final "k" of Frederick definitely makes it a more user-friendly classic boys' name. It streamlines it and also hints at Frederic's status as a French variation of the Germanic Frederick. Either way, this is a strong classic to consider if you're not afraid of a little dusty residue.

Frederich is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a less common spelling variation of Frederick, which means 'peaceful ruler' or 'ruler of peace' from the elements 'frid' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler, power). This spelling with an 'h' ending instead of 'k' reflects continental European, particularly German, influence. Throughout history, the name has been borne by numerous monarchs, including Frederick the Great of Prussia, lending it an air of nobility and historical significance. While less popular than Frederick in English-speaking countries, Frederich maintains appeal for parents seeking a dignified, traditional name with international flair. The name suggests strength of character combined with wisdom and has maintained steady, though modest, usage over generations.

Frederick, and friendlier nickname Fred, seemed almost to have disappeared, leaving just the memory of Freds past such as Astaire, Mr. Rogers and Flintstone. But today's parents are beginning to recognize it as a strong classic and one of the top royal baby boy names.

Frederika is a feminine name with Germanic origins, serving as the female equivalent of Frederick. It derives from the Germanic elements 'fridu' meaning 'peace' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' thus conveying the beautiful meaning 'peaceful ruler.' Various spellings exist across European languages, including Frederica, Friederike, and Frederieke. The name carries an air of nobility and elegance, having been used in royal families throughout European history. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Frederika maintains steady usage in Northern European countries, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands. The name offers several friendly nickname options including Freda, Rika, or Freddie, allowing for versatility as a person grows from childhood into adulthood.

Actor French Stewart introduced this one to the lexicon. French is part word name, part place name, and part surname-name, reminiscent of celebrity baby names that reference a nationality rather than simply a place, such as Moroccan.

This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.

One of the most familiar German names, with an upright Prussian image. Friedrich might just have been out for long enough to start coming back in.

Since female cousins Mitzi and Fritzi have entered the realm of possibilities, there's a chance that Cousin Fritz could as well. Fritz is the name of several notables, from early German-born film director Lang to early footballer Fritz (born Frederick) Pollard, the first African-American to play in the Rose Bowl in 1916.

Despite the presidential pedigree, it's still hard to shake the image of the cartoon cat (named after his creator Jim Davis's grandfather). However, there are other Garfields, such as Barbadian cricket player Sir Garfield Sobers, who carries it with gravitas.

Iconoclasts though we may be, we like Fred, we like Frank, and we like George, which was among the Top 10 from 1830 to 1950, when the number of little Georges started to decline. Solid, strong, royal and saintly, yet friendly and unpretentious, we think that George is in prime position for a comeback, especially since it was chosen by Britain's royal couple.

In its native Germany, Gerhard was very popular a hundred years ago and is now rather old-fashioned. It isn't much used by English speakers either, but has a certain clunky charm about it.

The form of Gertrude found in German and much of Scandinavia.