ROCHE
Roche
Roche is an Anglo-Norman surname of French origin, deriving from the Old French word "roche" meaning "rock" or "stone". The surname Roche is of toponymic origin, indicating that the original bearers of the name may have hailed from a place named Roche or dwelled near a prominent rock formation.
Origins and History
The Roche surname is believed to have been introduced to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is thought that the Roche family originally came from the region of La Roche in Normandy, France. The first recorded instances of the Roche surname in England date back to the medieval period, and the family quickly assimilated into English society, establishing themselves in various regions across the country.
Distribution and Variants
Over time, the Roche surname has evolved, leading to several variations, including Roch, Roach, and Rock. The Roche surname is most prevalent in areas where Norman influence was historically strong, such as the South East of England and areas with a significant Anglo-Norman heritage, including parts of Ireland.
Notable Individuals
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Roche, including distinguished scholars, military figures, and public servants. One prominent example is the renowned British scientist Dame Kathleen Lonsdale (née Roche, 1903-1971), who made significant contributions to the field of crystallography and became the first female professor at University College London.
The Roche surname continues to be borne by individuals around the world, each contributing to the rich tapestry of British and global history.
There are approximately 8,752 people named Roche in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,083rd most common surname in Britain. Around 134 in a million people in Britain are named Roche.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Martin
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.