Rhodes is an English surname, alternatively spelled Rhoades, Rhoads, Roads, Roades, and Rodes,[1] deriving from the Old English rod, meaning "a clearing in the woods". It arose as a locational surname for a person who either lived near woodland clearings, or was originally from one of many locations with the name.[2] Topographical features provided intuitive and convenient means of identification in small mediaeval communities, and former inhabitants of a given location who moved to another town or area would often be identified using the name of their birthplace.[3]

Notable people with this surname edit

Rhodes A–D edit

Rhodes E–J edit

Rhodes K–Z edit

Rhoades edit

Rhoads edit

Roads edit

Rodes edit

Rodeš edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Hanks, Patrick (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University press. ISBN 9780199677764. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  2. ^ Hanks, Patrick (2022). Dictionary of American Family Names (second ed.). Oxford University press. ISBN 9780190245115. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Rhodes". Surname Database. 18 January 2003. Retrieved 28 March 2021.