Find out how popular the first name Rodger has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rodger by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rodger is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rodger.

The history of the first name Rodger

The name Rodger is derived from the Old German name Rodger, which means "famous with the spear" or "famous warrior." The name has its roots in the Old Germanic languages spoken in central and northern Europe during the early medieval period, around the 5th to 8th centuries AD.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record compiled in the late 9th century. The chronicle mentions a Rodger who was a nobleman and warrior during the reign of King Alfred the Great of Wessex in the late 9th century.

In the Middle Ages, the name Rodger became popular among the Norman nobility in England and France. One notable bearer of the name was Rodger de Beaumont, a Norman nobleman who accompanied William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Rodger de Beaumont later became the Earl of Warwick and played a significant role in the consolidation of Norman rule in England.

Another historical figure with the name Rodger was Rodger Bacon, an English philosopher and Franciscan friar who lived from around 1219 to 1292. He was a pioneering scientist and is often regarded as one of the earliest advocates of the modern scientific method.

In the 16th century, the name Rodger gained popularity among Protestant reformers. One notable figure was Rodger Williams, an English Protestant theologian who founded the colony of Rhode Island and advocated for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. He lived from around 1603 to 1683.

During the Renaissance period, the name Rodger was also associated with artists and intellectuals. One example is Rodger Ascham, an English scholar and writer who served as a tutor to Queen Elizabeth I. He lived from 1515 to 1568 and is known for his work "The Scholemaster," which advocated for the use of gentler teaching methods.

While the name Rodger has its roots in the Old Germanic languages, it has been adapted and used in various cultures throughout history, reflecting its enduring popularity and diverse cultural influences.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rodger was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rodger, please contact us.

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