Rhoads

Rhoads is a masculine name with Germanic and English origins, primarily known as a surname before its occasional use as a first name. Derived from the Old English "rod" or "rode" meaning "clearing in the woods," it was historically a topographic surname for someone living near a clearing. The distinctive spelling with 'oa' and final 's' sets it apart from the more common Rhodes. As a first name, Rhoads has an air of distinction and heritage, appealing to parents drawn to surname names with strong sounds. Though uncommon as a first name, it follows the trend of repurposing traditional surnames for modern first names. Rhoads projects strength and distinctiveness while maintaining a connection to ancestral naming patterns.

Pronounced RODZ.

As of October 2026, Rhoads ranked #11715 in US births in 2025 SSA.