Surname Rochester - Meaning and Origin
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Rochester: What does the surname Rochester mean?
The surname Rochester has a rather mysterious origin. It does not appear to be a genuinely British name, but rather it was likely brought to Britain in the Middle Ages by immigrants, likely Norman, from outside Britain. The most prominent theory on the origin of the name is that it is derived from the Old French personal name "Roches", which means "wood". This theory is further supported by the fact that the name appears to originate from France, where "roches" is still a very common geographical surname.
Another theory is that the name may have come from the town of Roquesteron in Provence, France. Those bearing this surname would have likely come as early immigrants from France to Britain, possibly with a view to making a better life in this newly-settled area. During the height of the Medieval Age, the name Rochester was found in both England and Scotland.
Though there is much ambiguity surrounding the true origin of this popular surname, it is fascinating to speculate on the possible sources for the Rochester name. Be it a person named "Roches", or possibly from the region Roquesteron, either one or both of these theories could be responsible for the presence of this distinguished name in Britain today. Despite its enigmatic origin, it is a name that will likely remain with us well into the future.
Order DNA origin analysisRochester: Where does the name Rochester come from?
The name Rochester is most commonly found throughout the United States, especially in the northeastern region. The Rochester Institute of Technology is located in Rochester, New York, which is the home city of the name origin. During the last century, Rochester has become a very popular surname as people have moved away from the city and spread to other areas around the country.
In addition to its popularity in the U.S., the name is also found in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. According to the US census, it had the 123rd most common surname in the United States for households in 2020. This was an increase from 134 in 1990, providing evidence of the growing popularity of the name in recent decades. It is estimated that there are over 200,000 living people with the name of Rochester in the United States.
The name originates from a small city located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, and its people are known for their strong sense of community and dedication to their home. The Rochester area is also known for its high quality of living, as well as its plethora of businesses and educational institutions. The name Rochester has become a symbol of the region’s pride and strong values, and is now found around the world.
Variations of the surname Rochester
Rochester is an English surname that can be found throughout England, as well as in other countries with British influences. It is believed to originate from the city of Rochester in Kent, England. Over the years, the name has evolved and can now be found with a variety of spellings and variants.
The most common spelling variations of Rochester include Rochford, Rostorfer, Rocheseter, Rochster, Roechester, and Rochster. Other variants include Rockster, Roschefter, and Rochastor.
The surname is commonly found in different countries under a variety of spellings and modifiers. In the United States, Rochester is often spelled Rochestor or Rugglester. In France, it is commonly spelled Rochefster or Rochetor. In Spain, it is commonly spelled Rochehemter or Rocootoror. In Italy, the most common spelling is Roccandor while in Germany it is often spelled Roschtar or Rockshater.
In Scotland, the Rochester surname is commonly found as Ruchfurd or Rockliford. The Welsh spelling of Rochester is usually Rochester. In Ireland, the name is often spelled Roark forter or Rhochford.
Overall, Rochester is an English surname that has been adapted and changed over time, leading to a variety of spellings and variants around the world.
Famous people with the name Rochester
- Daisy Rochester: British model and fashion influencer
- Mark Rochester: former National Basketball Association (NBA) player
- Jim Rochester: American investment banker
- David Rochester: British professional golfer
- Fred Rochester: 20th century New Orleans jazz musician
- Frank Rochester: British rugby union player
- John Rochester: former English cricketer
- Marjorie Rochester: former English World War II nurse
- Bob Rochester: American television broadcaster and actor
- Rachel Rochester: British musician and YouTuber
- Charles Rochester: American actor, author, and composer
- Joe Rochester: American actor and film producer
- Daniel Rochester: English politician of the 18th century
- William Rochester: English statesman of the 16th century
- Tom Rochester: American politician of the 19th century
- Ed Rochester: American actor, writer, and comedy performer
- Eleanor Rochester: American artist and socialite of the 19th century
- Florence Rochester: American singer and songwriter
- Jack Rochester: American rancher and cattleman of the 20th century
- Kenneth Rochester: American physicist and mathematician
- Gail Rochester: Canadian curler and television host
- Jane Rochester: British author and poet
- Beryl Rochester: English social activist and nurse
- Henry Rochester: former British medical researcher
- Steven Rochester: Canadian politician
- Kay Rochester: American reality TV star and fitness model
- Stephanie Rochester: British children's author and illustrator
- Richard Rochester: American philanthropist and businessman
- Mary Rochester: British journalist and travel writer
- Joseph Rochester: former English stockbroker and investor