<P> Rhodes is a locational surname , with other spellings Rhoades , Rhoads , Roads , Roades , and Rodes , deriving from the Old English rod , meaning `` a clearing in the woods '' , or from one of a number of locations from this word . Topographical features provided obvious and convenient means of identification in the small communities of the Middle Ages , giving rise to various surnames . Locational surnames arose when former inhabitants of a place moved to another town or area and were identified by the name of their birthplace . </P>
<P> Rhodes is a locational surname , with other spellings Rhoades , Rhoads , Roads , Roades , and Rodes , deriving from the Old English rod , meaning `` a clearing in the woods '' , or from one of a number of locations from this word . Topographical features provided obvious and convenient means of identification in the small communities of the Middle Ages , giving rise to various surnames . Locational surnames arose when former inhabitants of a place moved to another town or area and were identified by the name of their birthplace . </P>
where does the last name rhodes come from
where does the last name rhodes come from
the Old English rod , meaning `` a clearing in the woods ''
the Old English rod , meaning `` a clearing in the woods ''