Surname Rochell - Meaning and Origin
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Rochell: What does the surname Rochell mean?
The last name Rochell is of French origin, derived from the French word "roche" meaning "rock". It is thought to have originated as a nickname for someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or other rock formation, or as a nickname for someone who was strong and immovable like the rock.
The surname may also have derived from the name of a French river called La Rochelle, located in the department of Charente-Maritime. The name of the town likely referred to its rocky terrain, which would then have been adopted as a surname.
The first known use of the name Rochell in France dates back to the 16th century, and was found in the region of Bearn in the Pyrénees. It is believed to have spread to other areas of France during the 17th century, and eventually to parts of Europe such as the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. The name is also found in North America, particularly in the United States, where it arrived with French Huguenots in the 19th century.
The name Rochell symbolizes strength and stability, making it a perfect choice for parents who want to give their children a strong and reliable name.
Order DNA origin analysisRochell: Where does the name Rochell come from?
The last name Rochell is most commonly found in France, particularly in and around Paris in the north-central part of the country. It is sometimes seen in nearby European countries such as Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, as well as in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and even the United States.
In France, Rochell is a relatively common name with estimated usage of 7.1 out of every 1,000, making it the 257th most frequently used name in that country. It is most associated with the Languedoc region of the country, where it has been used for centuries.
The name Rochell has also been found in various parts of the United States, particularly in California, Minnesota, Texas, and Louisiana. Early instances of the name in North America can be linked to French immigrants who came to the region in the 19th and 20th centuries.
To this day, the last name Rochell is an indicator of French heritage and culture, with individual families continuing to carry on the name to honor their ancestors.
Variations of the surname Rochell
The surname Rochell is derived from the Old French personal name Ro(c)hel, which is a diminutive of Robert. It is believed to have first appeared in records of southwestern France in the eleventh century; as such, it has been around for a very long time. This surname can be found in a variety of spellings, including de Rochel, Rochel, Rochele, Roussel, Rosset, Ruechel, Rochet, and Rousso.
Variant spellings of the surname Rochell are also more common in different regions and countries. In the Netherlands, a common spelling is Roos, while in Germany, a common spelling is Rossel. In England, the spelling Rothschild is commonly seen, which is believed to be derived from a variant of the surname Rochell.
Other early spellings of the surname Rochell include Le Rochelle, De Is Rochell, and De Rocails. Some have suggested that the spelling variations of the surname Rochell could have derived from French regional dialects because of the variety in the way it is spelled in different places.
It is important to note that other surnames can be derived from the same root as the Rochell surname. Other surnames with the same root include the French surname Roussell, as well as the Spanish and Portuguese surnames Rojas and Rosal.
In summary, the surname Rochell is a very old surname with many different spelling variants, as well as other surnames stemming from the same root. It is important to recognize the regional and global diversity that has shaped the spelling of this surname over time.
Famous people with the name Rochell
- Rahsaan Roland Kirk: Grammy Award-winning jazz multi-instrumentalist.
- Arsenio Hall: American comedian, actor, and talk show host.
- Basimah Rochelle: Actress and producer.
- Westin Rochell: Professional wrestler with Ring of Honor.
- Cleo Rochelle: R&B singer and songwriter originally from Mississippi.
- Kathryn Rochell: Christian singer-songwriter.
- Pebbles Rochelle: Master marketer and entertainment executive.
- Willie Rochell: Former college basketball player and current assistant coach at Mississippi Valley State University.
- David Rochell: American poker player and former professional basketball player in the French professional leagues.
- Ira Rochell: Retired NFL offensive lineman.