Rod
Rod began as a short form of Roderick, from the Germanic "hrod" (fame) and "rīc" (ruler) — meaning "famous ruler." Rod was moderately popular in mid-century America, peaking at #179 in 1965. Rod (the musician Rod Stewart, born 1945, whose "Maggie May" (1971) defined an era of British rock) is the most famous bearer. Rod (the actor Rod Steiger, 1925-2002, who won the Oscar for "In the Heat of the Night" (1967)) gave the name cinematic weight. Rod is a male name of Germanic origin that means "Famous ruler (short form of Roderick)". Brisk, mid-century, and a little rock-and-roll. The name sounds friendly. Rods tend to be confident. US peaked #179 in 1965. Now outside top 1000. Well-known people named Rod include Rod Stewart (singer), Rod Steiger (actor), Rod (short form of Roderick). Common variations and related forms of Rod include Roderick (full form), Roddy (nickname), Roderick (related).