Last Name Arocha

The surname Arocha is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the place name Aroche, a town in southwest Spain located in the province of Huelva, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. The name Aroche itself is believed to have Moorish origins, as it is thought to come from the Arabic word "Ar-Ruch", meaning "lupine" or "genista", which is a type of plant that grows in the region. Over time, the surname Arocha became associated with the people who hailed from or lived in the town of Aroche, leading to the adoption of the surname as a family name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arocha

The meaning and origin of the last name Arocha

The surname Arocha is of Spanish origin and is believed to be derived from the Basque word "Arotxa," meaning "plane tree." It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearer was from a place named Arocha, which likely had a significant presence of plane trees. The Arocha surname is relatively uncommon and is primarily found in Spain and parts of Latin America. It is likely that the surname was originally used to identify individuals based on their place of origin or to denote a geographical feature associated with the area where they lived. Today, individuals with the surname Arocha can be found in various countries around the world, with diverse backgrounds and family histories tied to this unique and distinctive last name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arocha

The last name Arocha is primarily found in South America, with the highest concentrations in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. In Venezuela, the name is particularly common in the Caracas area and other major cities. In Colombia, Arocha is found predominantly in regions such as Norte de Santander and Boyacá. In Brazil, the name is most prevalent in states like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The origin of the surname Arocha can be traced back to Spain, specifically the region of Galicia. From there, the name likely spread to the colonies in South America during the period of Spanish colonization. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Arocha reflects the migration patterns of individuals with Spanish ancestry to various parts of the Americas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arocha

The last name Arocha has a few variations and spellings, including Aroca, Aroche, and Arocah. Other variations may include Arrocha, Arroca, Arroche, and Arrocah. The name may also be spelled with a single "a" at the end, as in Aroch. Additionally, the name may have accents, such as Arochá or Arochá. Some variations may incorporate a double "r," resulting in names like Arrrocha or Arrocha. Depending on the country of origin or individual family preferences, the last name Arocha can have different spellings and variations. Despite these variations, the name's origin and meaning remain constant, stemming from Spanish and Portuguese roots and often referring to someone who lived near a rocky area or hills.

Famous people with the last name Arocha

One famous person with the last name Arocha is Juan de la Cosa Arocha, a Spanish navigator and cartographer who played a significant role in the age of exploration. He was born in the late 15th century and worked closely with Christopher Columbus on his voyages to the New World. De la Cosa Arocha is best known for creating one of the earliest maps of the Americas, which was used by other explorers and cartographers for years to come. His precise measurements and detailed drawings helped to shape the European understanding of the geography of the newly discovered lands. De la Cosa Arocha's legacy lives on in his contributions to the world of maritime navigation and cartography, making him a notable figure in the history of exploration.

Genealogical research on the last name Arocha

The surname Arocha has Spanish origins and is derived from the Spanish word "rocha," meaning stone or rock. It is believed to have originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a rocky or stony area. The Arocha surname can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia, Navarre, and Catalonia. Over time, individuals with the surname Arocha migrated to various parts of the world, including Latin America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia. Today, individuals with the last name Arocha can be found throughout the world, with variations in spelling and pronunciation depending on the region of settlement. Genealogical research of the Arocha surname may reveal a rich history of migration, colonization, and cultural exchange.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arocha"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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