The name Roscoe has its origins in the Old Norse language, derived from the word "råskår," which means "a roughhewing" or "a cleaving." It is believed to have emerged around the 9th or 10th century in the regions inhabited by the Vikings, particularly in Scandinavia and parts of the British Isles.

The earliest recorded use of the name Roscoe dates back to the 11th century, when it appeared in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of English landowners commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This suggests that the name had already gained some popularity among the Anglo-Saxon population at that time.

One of the earliest notable individuals bearing the name Roscoe was Roscoe Pound (1870-1964), an influential American legal scholar and botanist who made significant contributions to the field of jurisprudence. He served as the Dean of Harvard Law School and was a leading figure in the sociological jurisprudence movement.

Another prominent figure was Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle (1887-1933), an American silent film actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter who rose to fame during the early 20th century. Despite being one of the most popular comedians of his era, his career was ultimately overshadowed by a highly publicized and controversial manslaughter trial in 1921.

In the world of literature, Roscoe Conkling Misner (1909-1995) was an American author and poet, best known for his children's books and his work as a humorist. He published several collections of humorous poetry and was also a frequent contributor to various magazines and newspapers.

Roscoe Mitchell (born 1940) is a renowned American composer, jazz instrumentalist, and educator who has played a significant role in the development of avant-garde and free jazz. He is a founding member of the influential Art Ensemble of Chicago and has been widely recognized for his innovative approaches to music.

Finally, Roscoe Tanner (born 1951) was a professional tennis player from the United States who achieved notable success on the professional circuit in the 1970s. He was known for his powerful serve and reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world in 1979, winning numerous singles and doubles titles during his career.