Surname Rotchell - Meaning and Origin

Rotchell: What does the surname Rotchell mean?

The last name Rotchell is a Anglo-Scottish toponymic surname, thought to originate from the region of North East Yorkshire. Its original root may be derived from the Old Norse personal name Roðkell or Hroðketill.

In a number of Anglo-Scottish and Scandinavian countries, the name Rotchell has a noble connection. For example, in Scotland, the Rotchell family were known to be in possession of Thirlwall Castle near the town of Greenhead, North Yorkshire since the late 12th century.

This Scottish family were of Viking origins and were especially noted for their valiant service to King James I of Scotland and also Admiral Thomas Rotchell in the War of Spanish Succession. This bestowed a sense of prestige to the family and as a result, the Rotchells of Scotland were recognized as a powerful family in the North East of England.

The various historical records demonstrate how the surname Rotchell has been accepted and recognized as a reputable family name, linked with a great deal of power and status in the Nobility. The name is a testament to a noble past, honour, and privilege and the strong influence of the Rotchells on the Anglo-Scottish region.

Rotchell: Where does the name Rotchell come from?

The last name Rotchell is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, with the majority of its population residing in the England. It is also present in countries in Europe, such as France and Germany. In the United States, the name is present but more sparsely; it is primarily found in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

In the United Kingdom, Rotchell is a fairly uncommon surname. According to data from the Office for National Statistics in the UK, the name is ranked in 49,615th place for its frequency in Britain. Most families with the name are based in England, specifically in the Yorkshire and Humberside region, where it is most common.

The name is derived from the Old Norse expression "rōtr Kjell", which translates to "Kjell with reddish hair". It was given to families in the 11th and 12th centuries, likely by Viking invaders as a way of distinguishing them. The Rotchells are an old English family whose roots can be traced back to the 12th century in Yorkshire.

Given that the surname is rooted in Viking conquest, it is no surprise that many Rotchells are of Scandinavian ancestry. The name has since spread to other parts of Europe and crossed the Atlantic into the United States, where it is not nearly as populous as in the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Rotchell

The surname Rotchell has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants include Routchell, Rotshell, Ratshell, Rotchell, Routcheal, Routshill, and Ratcheall. Other variants include Raichell, Roachell, Rotchell, Rouchill, Rotcheal, Rotchael, Routehell, Rouchael, Rothsell, Rotcell, Rotschail, Rotseill, Rotcachell, Rotcherl, Rotchelll, and Rotchelly.

The various spellings of Rotchell are believed to be derived from a Middle English word, or an Old Norse or Germanic word meaning red-haired soldier. The first recorded spelling of the surname Rotchell dates back to the thirteenth century in the Records of the English Northern Registers.

Rotchell is a rare surname, primarily found in Britain, although there are some instances of people with this surname living in other countries. It is most commonly found in the Scottish counties of Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, and the English counties of Westmorland and Cumberland.

Rotchell is most likely a habitational surname, derived from a place name. There is a small village called Rochall in Renfrewshire, Scotland, which could have been the root of the surname.

In addition to Rotchell, there are several surnames of the same origin, including Rotcell, Routcheal, Ratshell, Rochishall, Roichill, Routchill, Routshell, and Rotchall. Some of these variants are more commonly found in areas of Scotland, particularly in the Renfrewshire area. There are also several variants found in England, mainly in the northern areas, such as Rotchell, Rotchell, Routshell, Routchair, and Routshill.

Famous people with the name Rotchell

• Alex Rotchell: Former professional hockey player and coach from Ontario, Canada.
• John Rotchell: Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Kansas City Athletics in 1956.
• Robert Rotchell: American basketball player for the Sacramento Kings in 1975.
• Julian Rotchell: American actor best known for his performance in the Netflix series Fuller House.
• Warren Rotchell: Scottish footballer who won the Challenge Cup in 1897 with St. Bernard's Football Club.
• Paul Rotchell: American artist who created the character designs for the Captain N: The Game Master animated series.
• Eric Rotchell: Scottish jazz drummer who has performed and worked collaboratively with a multitude of artists.
• Yogev Rotchell: Israeli artist and sculptor who creates hyperrealistic works in bronze, marble and clay.
• Jacob Rotchell: American soldier who was killed in Iraq in 2003.
• Abigail Rotchell: British singer-songwriter from Cornwall who recently released her debut album Follow You Round.

Other surnames

RotchelRötcher