The name ‘Rhodes’ originates from England. It is derived from the topographic name for someone who lived in a clearing in woodland, from the Old English word ‘rod’. This most common form of the name has been influenced in spelling by the Greek island of ‘Rhodes’ (from the Greek word ‘Rhodos’, perhaps ultimately akin to ‘Rose’). Contrary to popular belief there is no connection with the Modern English word ‘road’ (from the Old English word ‘rad’ meaning riding), which was not used of a throughfare on land until the 16th century. Variant´s: Rhoades Road(s) Royds Rodd. Compiled information from Historical and Private archive’s has confirmed that the surname ‘Rhodes’ and or it’s variant’s, dates as far back as the 13th century were a ‘Simon de la Rode’, from Suffolk, England, is recorded on the Hundred Rolls in 1273. The exact period of settlement in North America has not been definately determined but Information extracted from Public and Civil registry archive’s confirm that one of the first settlers was a certain ‘John Rhodes’, aged 22, a carpenter by trade, from the city of London, England. He emigrated to North America in …
Coat of arms: Azure three annulets or…