Frederick \f-rederi-ck, fr(e)-de-rick\ as a boy's name is pronounced FRED-er-ik. It is of Old German origin, and the meaning of Frederick is "peaceful ruler". Brought by the Hunoverian kings to Britain. Frederik is a Scandinavian form; Frederic is French. Fritz is a nickname. An interesting contemporary variant is used by actor Fredro Starr. Actors Fred MacMurray, Freddie Prince, Jr.; dancer Fred Astaire; cartoon character Fred Flintstone; children's TV personality Fred Rogers; composer Fr?ric Chopin; abolitionist Frederick Douglass; philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche; rock musician Fred Durst.

Frederick has 39 variant forms: Eric, Erich, Erick, Erico, Erik, Eryk, Federico, Federigo, Fred, Fredd, Freddie, Freddy, Fredek, Frederic, Frederich, Frederico, Frederik, Fredi, Fredric, Fredrick, Fredrik, Frido, Friedel, Friedrich, Friedrick, Fridrich, Fridrick, Fritz, Fritzchen, Fritzi, Fritzl, Fryderky, Ric, Fredro, Rich, Rick, Ricky, Rik and Rikki.

For more information, see also related names Aric and Baldric.