The name "Scrooge" is primarily synonymous with Ebenezer Scrooge, the notoriously miserly protagonist of Charles Dickens' classic 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol. This iconic character has inspired a multitude of adaptations, including early silent films from 1901, the 1970 musical, and a 2022 Netflix original film, reflecting his enduring cultural impact. Beyond Dickens, "Scrooge" is also widely recognized as Scrooge McDuck, Walt Disney's famously wealthy and often grumpy cartoon and comic book character, who first appeared in 1952.

Interestingly, the name had a much different and unexpected application: "Scrooge" was the NATO reporting name (SS-15 Scrooge) for an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the Soviet Union. This diverse usage, from a beloved literary figure to a powerful weapon, showcases the varied and sometimes surprising connotations the name "Scrooge" has acquired over time.