Rodger

Meaning of Rodger

Rodger, pronounced RAH-jer (English: /ˈrɑdʒər/ or /ˈrɒdʒər/), traces its lineage to the Old Germanic Hrodger—hrod, “fame,” + ger, “spear”—evoking a hero whose renown strikes true through the annals of history. Anglicized under Norman influence after 1066, this variant of Roger once bore knightly and regal overtones before settling into the hearths of English- and American-speaking families with a steadfast, unassuming grace. Flourishing among the top 300 names for boys in the mid-twentieth century, Rodger has since drifted into more selective favor, registering near rank 915 for U.S. newborns in 2024—a subtle testament to its enduring charm rather than any deficiency of spirit. For parents seeking a name steeped in storied tradition yet enlivened by dry wit and modern warmth, Rodger offers an elegant synthesis of gravitas and approachability, poised to carve out its own legacy without borrowing another’s fanfare.