Fredric

Fredric is a masculine given name, a variant of the more common Frederick and Frederic. It is of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning peace (frid) and ruler or power (ric). The form is used in English-speaking countries and in some Nordic regions, with related spellings such as Frederic, Frederick, Frederik, and Fred. The spelling Fredric is often found in earlier to mid-20th-century contexts and remains uncommon today, though it persists in certain families and circles.

As a personal name, Fredric has appeared across various fields and periods. Notable individuals with this spelling include Fredric Brown (1906–1972), an American writer known for science fiction and mystery works; Fredric Wertham (1895–1981), a German-born American psychiatrist and critic of comic books; Fredric Jameson (born 1934), a prominent American literary theorist and Marxist critic; and Fredric Lehne (born 1959), an American actor. The name has also been used in fiction and film, contributing to its recognition in popular culture.

Variants such as Frederic, Frederick, and Frederik often appear in parallel histories of the name, with corresponding cross-cultural usage in English, French, German, Scandinavian, and Dutch contexts. Diminutives commonly include Fred and Freddie, which may be used with or without formal confirmation of the given name.

Overall, Fredric remains a recognized but relatively uncommon given name, tied to a longstanding tradition of Germanic-derived names that emphasize peace and rulership.