The Frederick Family History

What Does the Frederick Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Frederick is of German, English, and Dutch origin, deriving from the Germanic components ‘frid’ and ‘ric,’ which translate to peace and power, respectively, signifying a ruler or leader. Variations of the name include Frederic, Frary, and Fredericks. In England, the earliest known settlements of families bearing the Frederick surname occurred in Lincolnshire, from which they subsequently spread to areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, Kent, Hampshire, and the metropolitan city of London. Additionally, a significant number of Frederick families can be found in the Welsh counties of Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire. In Scotland, regions with notable Frederick populations include Angus, Renfrewshire, Midlothian, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Wigtownshire, and Argyll. In the United States, the initial settlements of the Frederick families are recorded in New York, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Noteworthy individuals with this surname include Kevin Albert Francis Frederick, a professional baseball player; Carole Denise Frederick, a singer; Samuel Frederick, a football player; Benjamin Todd Frederick, a 19th-century congressman from Iowa; Robert Tryon Frederick, who commanded the 'Devil’s Brigade' during World War II; Lynne Frederick, an actress; and Prince Adolphus Frederick, the son of King George III of England.