One-dimensional strontium hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAp) nanorods were successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. The products were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), cold field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra. The experimental results indicated that oleic acid as a surfactant played a key role in confining the growth of the Sr-HAp powders. A possible formation mechanism of the one-dimensional nanorod was proposed and elaborated. Moreover, the as-obtained Sr-HAp samples showed an intense and bright emission band centered at 460 nm under long-wavelength UV light excitation and the contents of NaOH used in the synthetic process had an obvious impact on the optical performance of Sr-HAp powders. The possible luminescent mechanism of the Sr-HAp samples was discussed.