Friedrich m
German form of FREDERICK (SEE Frederick). It owes its great popularity in Germany at least in part to having been a royal name from an early date. It was borne by both Hohenstauffens and Habsburgs. Notable bearers include Friedrich Barbarossa (King of Germany 1152–90 and Holy Roman Emperor 1155–90), and Friedrich II (King of Sicily from 1197, when he was three years old, King of Germany 1212–20, and Holy Roman Emperor 1220–50: he called himself ‘lord of the world’). The name was later borne by many German princes and princelings, as well as several kings of Prussia. The most famous of these is undoubtedly Friedrich der Grosse (Frederick the Great, reigned 1740–86), noted as a glorious patron of the arts as well as being a decisive statesman and victorious military commander.
Pet form: Fritz.
First names dictionary. 2012.