The given name Serge has its origins in the Latin language, where it was derived from the name Sergius. Sergius itself is believed to have originated from the Roman family name "Sergius," which was derived from the Latin word "serere," meaning "to plant" or "to sow." This suggests that the name may have been associated with agricultural or farming communities in ancient Rome.

The earliest recorded use of the name Sergius can be traced back to the 3rd century AD, when it was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs. One notable figure was Saint Sergius, a Roman soldier who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Maximian in the early 4th century. His story and veneration as a saint likely contributed to the popularity of the name among early Christians.

In the Middle Ages, the name Serge became more widespread across Europe, particularly in regions influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church. It was commonly used in territories such as Russia, Greece, and parts of Eastern Europe. One famous bearer of the name was Sergius of Radonezh (1314-1392), a revered Russian monk and one of the most influential figures in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The French form of the name, Serge, gained popularity during the Renaissance period. One of the earliest recorded instances of this spelling was Serge I de Longueville (1476-1516), a French nobleman and military commander. Another notable figure was Serge Rabelais (1495-1553), a French Renaissance writer and physician, best known for his satirical novels.

In the 19th century, the name Serge gained further recognition with figures such as Serge Diaghilev (1872-1929), a Russian art critic and impresario who was instrumental in the revival of ballet in the early 20th century. Another famous bearer was Serge Koussevitzky (1874-1951), a Russian-born conductor and double-bassist who made significant contributions to the development of classical music in the United States.

Other notable historical figures with the name Serge include Serge Lifar (1905-1986), a Ukrainian-born French ballet dancer and choreographer, and Serge Gainsbourg (1928-1991), a French singer, songwriter, and actor who left a lasting impact on the world of popular music.