<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> Notable people with this surname include: </P>

Where does the last name rhodes come from