Surname Rochel - Meaning and Origin
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Rochel: What does the surname Rochel mean?
The last name Rochel is derived from the French personal name Rochel, a form of the Hebrew name Rochel, which means ‘ewe.’ It is a common name in both France and Israel, and is sometimes spelled as Rochele, Rouchele, or Rochle. People with this name have strong maternal instincts, and are often seen as faithful, caring, and devoted partners and parents.
Rochel is also associated with people of strong religious faith and commitment, as it is a name derived from a biblical reference. People with the last name Rochel often find themselves drawn to causes that help people in need, and may be passionate about charitable work or social justice. These individuals often find career paths in social services or as volunteers, and have a natural affinity for nurturing, caring roles.
The last name Rochel is linked with determination, steadfastness, and a steadfast faith in God. Individuals with the last name Rochel maintain a strong sense of ethics, and are generally spoken of highly by their friends and family. They strive for integrity in both personal and professional relationships, and are devoted to their families. Their strong sense of loyalty and their adherence to traditional values have made them respected members of their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisRochel: Where does the name Rochel come from?
The last name Rochel is commonly found in the French-speaking world. It is most prevalent in France, where it is the 522nd most frequent surname. Other countries with high numbers of Rochels include Belgium, which ranks 189th in terms of surname frequency; Switzerland, which ranks 42nd in terms of surname frequency; and, to a lesser extent, Canada and the United States.
In France, the name Rochel originated in the 14th century, and it is believed to be of Germanic-Nordic origin, derived from the Old German word « rok » meaning « rest » and « hel » for « protection ». The Rochel surname is most likely a reference to a settler who had a home of some sort — a place to rest and feel safe.
In Belgium, Rochel is primarily a Flemish name, particularly concentrated in the Northeastern part of the country. Its origin is uncertain, although it may be related to the Dutch word « roschel », derived from the Germanic « rop » meaning « rope ». It could also be related to the French word « roche » meaning « rock », or to the Old German « rokkon » meaning « rook ».
In Canada, the Rochel name is particularly common in Quebec. In the United States, Rochel is also most commonly found in Quebec, but it is also found in other French-speaking areas, such as Louisiana, Missouri, and New Jersey. This suggests that some of the original settlers with the name Rochel likely came to North America directly from France.
Variations of the surname Rochel
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Rochel are Rochell, Rochelle, Roechel, Roechelle, and Rochl.
Rochel is a French and German name, originally derived from the Middle Ages. It originated from the Latin name “Roccella”, which translates to “little rock”. It is possible that the family may have come from a place with a rocky hill, or a surname derived from someone who lived at the foot of a rocky hill. The name can be distinguished by its spelling – Rochel with one “L” is considered more French, whilst Rochelle with two “L” is considered more Germanic.
Throughout the centuries, many different spellings have come about due to various mixes of dialects and pronunciations. Rochel has also been spelled Rochell, Roechel and Roechelle. A common Americanized version of the surname is Rochl.
It is unclear where the surname gained more prominence – some records point to Germany, while other records point to France. Either way, the surname is a popular one, and has been used by many generations in both countries for centuries.
All in all, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Rochel are Rochell, Rochelle, Roechel, Roechelle, and Rochl. It is assumed to have originated from a French or German dialect, and suggests that the family may have either been from a place with a rocky hill, or derived from the name of someone who lived near a hill.
Famous people with the name Rochel
- Pauline Rochel, French actress
- Nicky Roche, American cyclist
- Jim Roche, American professional golfer
- Kathy Rochel, American painter
- Rudolf Rochel, Austrian biologist
- Paul Rochel, American lawyer
- Emil V. Rochel, German historian
- Peter Rockwell, American entrepreneur
- Helmut Rochel, German fencer 10.Franco Rochelli, Italian singer