Gender Masculine
Pronounced Pron. RAHJ-ər(American English) RAWJ-ə(British English) RAW-ZHEH(French) roo-ZHEH(Catalan) RO-gu(German)  [key·IPA]

Meaning & History

From the Germanic name Hrodger meaning "famous spear", derived from the elements hruod "fame" and ger "spear". The Normans brought this name to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Hroðgar (the name of the Danish king in the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf). It was a common name in England during the Middle Ages. By the 18th century it was rare, but it was revived in following years. The name was borne by the Norman lords Roger I, who conquered Sicily in the 11th century, and his son Roger II, who ruled Sicily as a king.

This name was very popular in France in the first half of the 20th century. In the English-speaking world it was popular especially from the 1930s to the 50s. Famous bearers include British actor Roger Moore (1927-2017) and Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (1981-).

Related Names

VariantsRodger(English) Rüdiger(German) Rogier, Rutger(Dutch)
DiminutiveRodge(English)
Other Languages & CulturesHroðgar, Hrothgar(Anglo-Saxon) Hrodger(Germanic) Rezső(Hungarian) Ruggero, Ruggiero(Italian) Ruth(Limburgish) Hrōþigaizaz(Old Germanic) Hróarr, Hróðgeirr(Old Norse) Rogério(Portuguese) Rogelio(Spanish)
Surname DescendantsRogers, Rogerson(English) Roger(French)
User SubmissionRogèr

Popularity

People think this name is

classic   mature   formal   natural   wholesome   strong   simple   serious  

Name Days

Austria: March 1
France: December 30
Norway: January 4
Poland: January 28
Poland: November 15
Sweden: June 2

Images

Mosaic depicting Roger II of SicilyMosaic depicting Roger II of Sicily

Categories

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Entry updated December 7, 2022