Fredrika is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin, predominantly found in Sweden and other Nordic countries. It is derived from the Old Norse elements 'fríðr' meaning 'beautiful' and 'ríkja' signifying 'power'. The name Fredrika is often associated with strong female figures due to its powerful etymology.
The name gained prominence during the 18th century in Sweden, notably through the works of Swedish author August Strindberg who named one of his daughters Fredrika. Today, Fredrika remains a popular choice among parents seeking distinctive yet timeless names for their daughters. It has been ranked among the top 200 most common girls' names in Sweden in recent years.
Fredrika is also found as a surname and can be traced back to medieval times when it was used to denote someone who lived near a peaceful area or meadow ('fríðr' meaning 'peaceful'). Over time, the name has evolved and adapted, with variations such as Frederikke in Denmark and Fredrika's diminutive forms like Freddie or Rikky being used interchangeably.
In literature, besides August Strindberg's daughter, there is also a notable character named Fredrika in Per Anders Fogelstrand's novel series about a family named 'The Six Bad Boys'. This further contributes to the name's enduring popularity and cultural significance in Sweden.
The name Fredrika experienced fluctuations in popularity over the century with peaks in the mid-70s and late 80s, but has since declined with only five births recorded in the most recent year available (2011).