The name Rodgers is of English origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Hrodgar, which was composed of the elements "hroth" meaning fame or glory, and "gar" meaning spear. Therefore, the name Rodgers signifies "spear famous with glory."
The name Rodgers first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, where it was introduced by Viking settlers who brought their Norse culture and language with them. Over time, the name evolved from its Old Norse roots to become what we now recognize as Rodgers.
In medieval English records, the name is often found spelled in various ways due to the lack of a standardized spelling system during that period. Some of these variations include Rodger, Roger, Rogan, and even Rocca.
The popularity of the name Rodgers has waxed and waned over the centuries. It was particularly prevalent during the 19th century in England but has since declined in usage. However, it remains a classic and distinctive name that is still chosen by parents today.
In terms of notable figures bearing the name Rodgers, one prominent example is Rodgers and Hammerstein, the famous American musical theatre writing team consisting of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Their collaboration produced iconic works such as "Oklahoma!", "Carousel," and "The Sound of Music." Despite not being related by blood, their combined surname became synonymous with groundbreaking musical theatre.
In summary, Rodgers is an English name with Old Norse roots, signifying "spear famous with glory." Its history dates back to the Middle Ages when it was introduced to England by Viking settlers. Throughout the centuries, the name has evolved and been spelled in various ways, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Today, Rodgers remains a classic and distinctive name choice for parents around the world.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births for the name Rodgers in the United States from 1911 to 1981.
Over this period, the name Rodgers experienced several peaks and troughs in popularity. The years with the highest number of Rodgers births were 1927 and 1956, each with 14 births. Other notable years for Rodgers births include 1922 (13 births), 1921 (12 births), and 1951 (18 births).
However, the popularity of the name Rodgers was not consistent throughout these decades. There were several years where only a handful of babies were named Rodgers, such as in 1940 (6 births) and 1981 (5 births). There were even some years with no recorded births for the name Rodgers, like 1925, 1931, and 1976.
Overall, based on these statistics, it can be concluded that while Rodgers was not one of the most popular names in the United States during this period, it did have periods of relative popularity, particularly in the early to mid-20th century.