The name Roger is derived from the Germanic name Rodger or Hruodgair, composed of the elements hruod, meaning "fame" or "renowned", and gair, meaning "spear". It gained popularity in medieval England after the Norman conquest of 1066, when it was introduced by Norman settlers.

Roger was a common name among the Norman nobility and quickly spread throughout England and other parts of Europe. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Roger I, a Norman nobleman who ruled as the Earl of Shrewsbury and Arundel in the late 11th century.

In the 12th century, the name gained further prominence with the likes of Roger of Salisbury, a prominent English bishop and Lord Chancellor to King Henry I. Another notable figure was Roger of Howden, an English chronicler and historian who documented the reigns of several English kings in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

During the Middle Ages, the name Roger was often associated with chivalry and knighthood. One of the most famous bearers was Roger de Flor, a military adventurer and leader of the Catalan Company, a mercenary group that played a significant role in the Byzantine civil wars of the early 14th century.

In the Renaissance period, the name continued to be popular, particularly in England and France. One of the most celebrated figures was Roger Bacon, an English philosopher, and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of natural sciences and is often regarded as an early advocate of the modern scientific method.

Other notable individuals named Roger include Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island and a champion of religious freedom in the 17th century; Roger Sherman, an American statesman and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution; and Roger Bannister, the British athlete who broke the four-minute mile barrier in 1954.

Throughout history, the name Roger has been associated with a sense of strength, courage, and determination, reflecting its Germanic roots and the valor of its early bearers. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a well-recognized and respected name across various cultures and regions.