Recorded as Roger, Rodger, Rojer, and the patronymics Rogers, Rodgers, Rodgerson, Rodson, Roddison, Rogerson and others, this is an Anglo-Scottish surname, but one of French origins. First introduced by the Norman-French at the Invasion of England in 1066, it was originally a baptismal personal name Rogier. This derived from the Gallic pre 7th century Hrod-geri meaning 'renowned spear', and probably originally given to a warrior. Such names glorifying honour, strength, and often religion, were very popular during "The Dark Ages", of the 5th to the 11th century when paradoxically anarchy was rife thoroughout Europe. In Britain the name became very popular in the Medieval period generating a wide range forms which also include Hodge and Dodge. Early examples of the surname recordings include Waltero Rogero of Somerset in 1273, and Wilhelmus Rogerson of Yorkshire, in the Poll Tax rolls of 1379. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Rogerius, a monk, in the famous Domesday Book of England in 1086 Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. Throughout the centuries surnames in every country have continued to develop, often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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