What is the origin of the name Rochelle?

Rochele or Rochelle is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the city of Rochel in the Land of Israel (modern-day Cairo, Egypt). The city's name comes from the Hebrew term "rokhēl," which means "ewe" or "doe." In Jewish tradition, Rebecca, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, was born in this city. Her name is also spelled Rivkah, meaning "ewe" or "she-goat" in Hebrew. Due to the similarity between the names Rochel/Rochelle and Rebecca, the former has been used as a variant of the latter in various languages and cultures.

Learn more about the origin of the name Rochelle

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Rochelle

The name Rochele or Rochelle originates from French, with roots traced back to the medieval town Rochefort-en-Terre in Brittany, France. The name is derived from the word 'roche', which means 'rock' in French. Over time, it evolved into the more popular spelling of Rochelle. The name was brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066 and subsequently became more common in English-speaking countries. It gained popularity as a feminine given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing strength and resilience, much like a rock.

Character traits associated with the name Rochelle

Rochelle is often characterized by a blend of intelligence, empathy, and resilience. She is known for her sharp intellect, demonstrating a strong ability to grasp complex concepts quickly. Her empathetic nature allows her to understand and connect with others on a deep level, making her a great listener and advisor. Rochelle's resilience is evident in her ability to bounce back from adversity with determination, maintaining a positive outlook even in challenging situations. She is also known for her assertiveness, standing up for what she believes in while remaining respectful of others' opinions. Overall, Rochelles are individuals who value knowledge, compassion, and perseverance.

Popularity of the name Rochelle

The name Rochelle is of Hebrew origin and means "small deer." Despite its biblical roots, the popularity of the name Rochelle peaked in the United States during the mid-20th century and has since declined. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Rochelle was ranked among the top 300 most popular names for girls born in the U.S. between 1940 and 1956 but fell out of the top 1000 by 2000. As of 2021, Rochelle is not commonly used as a given name in the United States, with only about 300 girls being named Rochelle in the same year. The name has seen some revival in other English-speaking countries, but it remains relatively uncommon overall.

Famous people with the name Rochelle

Notable individuals named Rochelle include:

1. Rochelle Riley (born 1962), an American journalist and author who served as the Detroit Director of Arts & Culture under Mayor Mike Duggan. She has authored several books, including "The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery."

2. Rochelle Agar (born 1956), a British scientist known for her work on protein structure determination and crystallography. She was the first female president of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

3. Rochelle Stewart-Allen (born 1978), a former English international footballer who played as a defender. She won the FA Women's Premier League title with Arsenal Ladies in 2006 and represented England at Euro 2005 and the 2007 World Cup.

4. Rochelle Aytes (born 1976), an American actress best known for her roles in television series such as "Mistresses" and "The Originals." She has also appeared in films like "White House Down" and "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief."

5. Rochelle Jordan (born 1986), a Canadian R&B singer who gained recognition with her single "New Day." Her debut album, "Reality Bomb," was released in 2011.

Variations of the name Rochelle

Rochele, Rochal, Rochelle, Rochelle, Ro-Chelle and Roshelle are some common variants of the female given name Rochell(e). This name originated as a diminutive of Rose, meaning "rose," which is derived from Latin rosa. It gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century and has been used in various forms across the English-speaking world.
NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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