Origin and History of ROCHE

Description:

The surname ROCHE is of French origin, deriving from the Old French word roche, meaning ‘rock’. It was originally used to denote someone who lived near a prominent rock or rocky outcrop. The surname is most commonly found in Ireland, where it was brought to the country by French settlers in the 12th century. In Ireland, the name is associated with the Gaelic O’Rothaigh sept, who were based in County Cork. The ROCHE surname is also found in other parts of Europe, including France, England, Scotland, and Germany. In England, the name is believed to be associated with the Norman family of de la Roche, who were based in Wiltshire. In Scotland, the name is thought to be derived from the Gaelic MacRothaigh, a sept located in the Argyll region. Variations of the ROCHE surname include Roache, Roach, de la Roche, and de Roche. Other variations include Roch, Rocha, Rochefort, and Rochet.