Origin and Meaning of Roger

Meaning & Origin

Famous spear

Origin: Germanic - Derived from the Old High German name Hrodger, composed of the elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'ger' meaning 'spear'.

Interesting Facts

  • Roger was a very popular name throughout the medieval period in Europe, particularly in England, due to its association with noble and heroic figures.
  • The name has variations across different cultures, such as Rodrigo in Spanish and Roderick in Scottish contexts.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, and American actor Roger Moore, known for his role as James Bond.
  • In recent years, the popularity of the name Roger has decreased, with rank falling significantly in the late 20th century; however, it still retains a classic appeal.
  • Related names include Roderick, Rodger, and Rogelio, which highlight the name's diversity across cultures and languages.