Rhodes (surname)

Rhodes is an English surname, alternatively spelled Rhoades, Rhoads, Roads, Roades, and Rodes, deriving from the Old English ''rod'', meaning "a clearing in the woods". It arose as a locational surname for a person who either lived near woodland clearings, or was originally from one of many locations with the name. Topographical features provided intuitive and convenient means of identification in small mediaeval communities, and former inhabitants of a given location who moved to another town or area would often be identified using the name of their birthplace. Provided by Wikipedia