Rodrigo is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic elements Hrod and Gari, which mean "famous" and "spear," respectively. Thus, Rodrigo translates to "famous spear." This name has been popular throughout history, particularly in Spain and Latin America.
The name first gained prominence during the Middle Ages through the figure of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid, a legendary Spanish knight who fought against the Moors. His bravery and military prowess made him a symbol of Christian heroism and unity against Islamic forces. The epic poem "El Cantar de mio Cid" further popularized his name and deeds.
In Portugal, Rodrigo is often associated with King Rodrigo I (549-631 AD), the last Visigothic king before the Moorish invasion. According to legend, he was seduced by a sorceress named Lamia and met his tragic end at her hands. His death led to the conquest of Spain by the Moors.
Rodrigo has also been used as a given name in various parts of Europe and Latin America, often as a nod to its historical significance or simply due to its attractive sound. Today, it continues to be popular among parents seeking distinctive yet meaningful names for their children.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Rodrigo in the United States from 1918 to 2023. Throughout this period, there is a clear trend towards an increase in the popularity of the name.
In the early years, from 1918 to 1939, the number of births with the name Rodrigo remained relatively low, with an average of fewer than 20 births per year. However, starting in 1940, there was a noticeable increase, with over 25 births recorded that year.
The most significant rise in popularity occurred between 1970 and 1973, with the number of births increasing from 72 to 159, marking a fivefold increase within just three years. This trend continued into the 1980s, with over 200 births per year recorded between 1981 and 1984.
The peak in popularity for the name Rodrigo was reached in 2007, with an impressive total of 1,177 births. This is more than double the number of births recorded just one year earlier. However, this high point did not mark the end of its popularity. The number of births continued to be consistently high throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, with over 600 births per year recorded between 2006 and 2013.
Since then, the popularity of the name Rodrigo has shown signs of stabilization. Although it has decreased slightly from its peak, it remains popular, with over 500 births recorded each year since 2014. The most recent data available shows that in 2022 and 2023, there were 606 and 606 births respectively, indicating that the name Rodrigo continues to be a popular choice for parents in the United States.
In conclusion, over the course of the century, the popularity of the name Rodrigo has seen significant fluctuations but has ultimately become one of the more popular names in recent years.