Rodrigo

Rodrigo is a masculine given name of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from the Germanic name Roderick, transmitted to the Iberian Peninsula through the Visigoths and Latinized in various forms such as Rodricus. The name is typically understood to combine elements meaning “fame” and “ruler,” yielding the sense of a “famous ruler.” Over time it became established in the Romance-speaking world and remains common in many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.

In the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world, Rodrigo is a traditional and widely used given name for males. It is especially prevalent in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Informal forms or diminutives include Rodri, which is commonly heard in everyday speech and sports contexts.

Notable bearers of the name include historical and contemporary figures. Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, was a medieval Castilian nobleman and military leader. In modern times, Rodrigo Duterte is a Filipino politician who served as president from 2016 to 2022. Contemporary footballers named Rodrigo include Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina), Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay), and Rodrigo Palacio (Argentina).

Rodrigo remains in regular use today, appearing across literature, media, and public life in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures. Variants and related forms appear in different languages, but Rodrigo itself remains a distinctly masculine given name in its cultural contexts.