I love Dr. Pepper but I can't drink it any more b/c I am on a diet!
Oh no! I used to drink Dr Pepper too. A high school boyfriend converted me. 
It was first created in 1880 by a pharmacist named Charles Alderton in Waco, tx and first served in 1885.  My sister just got me started on a seltzer water that is flavored like Dr. Pepper though. it is sold by Kroger.
So is there a real Dr Pepper, or is it just a name?
No it is just a flavor of "The doctor" LOL! no sugar or carbs.  It actually taste somewhat like dr. pepper though.  I reccommend it. it is better for you than diet dr. pepper
Good to know. May pick some up for myself. Is it available anywhere other than Kroger?
Nope just kroger unfortunately.  I read that dr pepper was first introduced at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition as a new kind of soda made with 23 flavors