Frederica

Frederica is a feminine given name that originated as the feminine form of Frederick, from the Germanic elements frid, meaning peace, and ric, meaning ruler. The name thus carries the meaning "peaceful ruler." Variants include Frederica (English), Federica (Italian/Spanish), Frédérique (French), Friedrike or Frederike (German), and Frederika. Diminutives and nicknames include Rica, Rea, or Freddie.

Throughout history, Frederica has been used in European royal and noble lineages and has appeared in literature and place names. In popular culture, Frederica is the title of a 1965 Georgette Heyer Regency romance novel. In the United States, Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island, Georgia, preserves the 18th‑century fort named in honor of Frederick, Prince of Wales.

The name continues to be used in various countries and cultures, sometimes regained or adapted in modern times. Pronunciation varies by language and region. Notable people with the name include royals, writers, and public figures, though usage is relatively uncommon in some regions today.