Rudger

Rudger is a masculine given name that appears in various European traditions. In Dutch and German-speaking areas it is found in the forms Rutger or Rüdger, while in English-language contexts the spelling Rudger is less common today but occurs in historical records. The name is generally regarded as related to the name Roger, sharing a common Germanic heritage.

Etymology and meaning are typically linked to Germanic roots associated with fame or glory and with spear, though exact derivations vary by language and era. Medieval Latin texts sometimes render the name as Rudgerus. The Dutch form Rutger is a common contemporary variant, while Rüdger is used in German-speaking regions; all forms are part of the same name family.

Notable bearers include Rudger Clawson (1850–1933), an American leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Beyond this, Rudger has appeared primarily as a historical or regional given name rather than a widely used contemporary choice.

Variants and related names include Rutger, Rutgr, and Roger; Rutger and Rüdger are closely tied to the same linguistic roots as Rudger. The name Rudger is primarily historical or regional in modern usage, with its strongest presence in Dutch and German-speaking contexts.