Save Type Surname Usage Swedish Pronounced Pron. /ˈfrø̂ː.dɪŋ/ [key·simplify] Meaning & History Meaning uncertain. Possibly from a place name element derived from Swedish frodig meaning "lush, thriving, flourishing" or from the name of the Norse god Frö (see Freyr). Gustaf Fröding (1860-1911) was a Swedish writer and poet.