Rochelle

Rochelle is a British surname with origins in Norman French. The name is believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is derived from the Old French word "roche" which means "rock" or "stone".

History

The Rochelle surname is thought to have been brought to England by Norman settlers during the medieval period. Over time, the name has evolved and been passed down through generations, becoming established as a distinct family name.

Distribution

The surname Rochelle is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in certain regions. It is most commonly found in areas with historical Norman influence, such as parts of southern England.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir Edward Rochelle: A prominent Victorian-era industrialist and philanthropist known for his contributions to education and social welfare.
  • Dr. Emily Rochelle: A respected geneticist who made significant advancements in the field of DNA research.

Variants

Variants of the Rochelle surname include Rochell, Rochel, and Rochellé.

References

  • Harrison, Henry. The Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary. London: The Harleian Society, 1912.
  • Smith, Angela. Tracing Your Rochelle Ancestors. Oxford: University Press, 2005.

There are approximately 453 people named Rochelle in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Rochelle.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Andrew
  • Daniel
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Ann
  • Barbara
  • Elizabeth
  • Gemma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Valerie
  • Zoe

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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