Girl New Testament Rare
Rhoda
a rose
Ῥόδη Rhodē
Rhoda (Greek: Ῥόδη, Rhodē) means “a rose”, by traditional interpretation. It appears once, at Acts 12:13. In 2025 it was given to 47 children in the United States. Around 26,069 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as Blastus.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Rhoda
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 1 across 1 book
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
- Hapax
- Yes occurs exactly once
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 47 | Steady |
| All-time total | 26,069 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 547 in 1926 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | PA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Acts 12:13 |
| Cross-references | 6 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Blastus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Blastus.
- Mary co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Mary.
- Herod co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Herod.
- John co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as John.
- Mark co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Mark.
- Peter co-occurrence Appears with Peter in Acts 12.
- James co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as James.
Origin & meaning
a rose-tree, rose-bush , (Archilochus Lyricus) (ML)
Rhoda was a servant girl in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, who recognized Peter's voice at the door.
The biblical story
Rhoda was a servant girl who lived in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, in Jerusalem (Act.12.13). During the reign of King Herod Agrippa I, the apostle Peter was imprisoned for his faith (Act.12.1-4). The church gathered at Mary's house to pray earnestly for Peter's safety and release (Act.12.5, 12). One night, as they were praying, an angel miraculously freed Peter from prison, and he made his way to Mary's house (Act.12.6-11). When Peter knocked at the gate, Rhoda went to answer (Act.12.13). Upon recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate and ran back inside to tell the others that Peter was standing outside (Act.12.14). Initially, the people inside did not believe her, thinking she was out of her mind or that it was Peter's angel (Act.12.15). However, when Peter continued knocking, they opened the door and were astonished to see him (Act.12.16). Rhoda's role in this account highlights the power of prayer and the unexpected ways in which God can answer the prayers of His people. Her joyful response to Peter's presence also demonstrates the love and unity among the early believers, even in the face of persecution.
Key verses
Rhoda appears in 1 verse. Here are some of the most notable:
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And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
Acts 12:13
Show all 1 reference
Acts (1)
- Acts 12:13