The name means 'Son of Roger'. Most geneaologists believe that the name Roger is derived from the pre-7th century Anglo-Saxon (Teutonic) name Hrothgar, which means 'fame and spear' ('hrod' fame or renown, 'gari' spear), the first reference to which is in Beowulf, the epic poem of the Dark Ages. The name was taken to France from where the Normans introduced it to England during the 11th century.
Roger is possibly also a modern form of the ancient Irish name 'O'Ruadhraigh'.
In the 13th century it became a very common name, leading to the nicknames Hodge and Dodge, and through them Hodgson, Hodgkins and Hodgkinson.
Roger II (1095-1154) was the Norman King of Sicily and one of Europe's most powerful and cultured monarchs.
John Rogers (born around 1500-55 near Birmingham) became a London rector. He preached at St. Paul's Cross against Romanism just after Queen Mary's accession and was burned at the stake.
Other early records show a William Rogger in the subsidy rolls in Sussex in 1296, and a Henry Rogeres in the subsidy rolls in Worcestershire in 1327.