NomOrigine Background

Last Name Larocque

What is the origin of the last name Larocque?

The last name "Larocque" is of French origin. It is derived from the word "roche" meaning "rock" in French. The prefix "la" indicates "the," so "Larocque" can be interpreted as "the rock" or "of the rock." It is a relatively common surname in French-speaking regions.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Larocque

The meaning and origin of the last name Larocque

The surname Larocque has a French origin and derives from the word "roche," meaning rock or stone. It is a toponymic surname, which indicates that it was originally given to someone based on the place they lived or originated from. In this case, the surname was most likely given to someone who lived near a prominent rock or stone formation, such as a cliff or rocky outcrop. The prefix "la" is a common element in French surnames and often indicates "the" or "of the." Hence, Larocque could be translated as "of the rock" or "from the rock." Surnames like Larocque were typically bestowed upon families during the Middle Ages when hereditary surnames became more common. Over time, individuals with the surname Larocque may have spread to different regions, forming distinct branches within the family tree. Today, the surname can be found in various French-speaking countries, as well as among descendants who migrated to other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Larocque

The last name "Larocque" has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, primarily centered around the French-speaking regions of the world. It is most commonly found in France, Quebec (Canada), and various other French-speaking Canadian provinces such as Ontario and New Brunswick. Due to historical connections with these regions, Larocque can also be found in parts of the United States, particularly in states like Louisiana, which has a significant French heritage. In addition to North America, Larocque can also be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium and Switzerland, where French is one of the official languages. The name may also be present across other countries with French influence, such as former French colonies in Africa, including Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Overall, Larocque's geographical distribution reflects its origin and historical linguistic connections with French-speaking regions, stretching from Europe to North America and parts of Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Larocque

The last name Larocque, though predominantly spelled as such, has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include LaRocque, LaRoque, LaRock, LaRoch, LaRoc, and Larocke. These variations are often influenced by regional dialects and phonetic differences. In some instances, the name may also be anglicized as Rocky or even altered completely to suit new cultural affiliations. These variations and spellings reflect the historical migration patterns and intermingling of different ethnic groups throughout history. The name Larocque itself originates from the French language, denoting a rocky or stony place, and is commonly found among French-speaking communities. Over time and due to factors like migration, colonization, and intermarriage, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved in different regions and among different branches of the Larocque family. Ultimately, each variation and spelling represents a distinct branch that has adapted and diversified over generations.

Famous people with the last name Larocque

There have been several notable individuals with the last name LaRocque who have made their mark in various fields. One such prominent figure is Jolene LaRocque, a Canadian professional ice hockey player. With her exceptional skills and talent, she represented Team Canada Women's Ice Hockey at the Olympic Winter Games, winning a gold medal in 2010. Another famous individual is Sylvie LaRocque, a renowned Canadian artist known for her captivating artwork. Her paintings often depict mesmerizing landscapes and nature, capturing the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. In the entertainment industry, we have Daniel LaRocque, a well-known Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the critically acclaimed series "The Man in the High Castle" and the movie "Halloween Resurrection." These individuals, among others, have brought pride and recognition to the name LaRocque through their impressive accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Larocque

The genealogical research on the last name Larocque reveals an intriguing familial history. The Larocque surname originated in France, particularly in the region of Normandy. The name is derived from the French word "roche," meaning rock or stone, and signifies a person who either lived near a prominent rock formation or possessed a strong and steadfast nature. The Larocque family migrated to other parts of Europe, including Canada, during the 17th and 18th centuries. In Canada, they became prominent in the province of Quebec. Over time, the Larocque family expanded and settled in different regions, including Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Today, the Larocque surname can be found not only in Canada but also in various countries around the world, a testament to the rich history and widespread legacy of this ancestral name. Genealogical research allows individuals with the Larocque name to uncover their specific family tree, discover long-lost relatives, and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Lar (Last name)

surnames > lar

The last name "Lar" is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse word "hlarr" which means "hill" or "mound". It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearer...

Lar zama zargey (Last name)

surnames > lar-zama-zargey

The last name "Lar Zama Zargey" is of Kurdish origin. "Lar" means "valley" in Kurdish, while "Zama" means "son of" and "Zargey" is a common Kurdish surname.

Lara hati (Last name)

surnames > lara-hati

The surname "Lara Hati" is believed to have origins in Indonesia, particularly among the Javanese people. "Lara" means "sorrow" or "pain" in Indonesian, while "Hati" means "heart" ...

Laradi (Last name)

surnames > laradi

The origin of the last name Laradi is not clear, as it is a relatively rare surname. It is possible that it has roots in Arabic or Italian, as it is a common surname in some Arabic...

Laraine (Last name)

surnames > laraine

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Laraki (Last name)

surnames > laraki

The last name "Laraki" is of Arabic origin, derived from the personal name "Laraki", which means "from Larache". Larache is a city in northern Morocco, and the surname is commonly ...

Laranja (Last name)

surnames > laranja

The surname "Laranja" is of Portuguese origin. It means "orange" in Portuguese and can refer to a person who cultivated oranges, lived near an orchard of orange trees or had red ha...

Larans (Last name)

surnames > larans

The last name "Larans" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Laurent" which itself comes from the Latin name "Laurentius," meaning "man from Laurent...

Laras new (Last name)

surnames > laras-new

The last name "Laras New" does not appear to have a commonly known origin or meaning. It is possible that it is a combination of two separate surnames or may have been recently cre...

Larasan (Last name)

surnames > larasan

The surname "Larasan" is of Norwegian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Lári" and the suffix "-son" meaning "son of Lári".

Larawan (Last name)

surnames > larawan

The surname "Larawan" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "larawan," meaning "image" or "portrait." This surname likely originated as a descriptive name for ...

Larba (Last name)

surnames > larba

The last name "Larba" is of French origin. It is a habitational name derived from the place name Larbaudière, a village in France. It is possible that the surname originated from ...

Larce (Last name)

surnames > larce

The surname "Larce" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "l'Arce," which means "shelter" or "refuge." This surname likely originated as a descriptive name fo...

Lardbabu (Last name)

surnames > lardbabu

The origin of the last name "Lardbabu" appears to be Indian. It may be derived from a Hindu or Sikh name, possibly associated with a specific region or community in India.

Lardona (Last name)

surnames > lardona

The last name "Lardona" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "lardón," which means "lard" in Spanish. It is possible that this surname was originally used to describe...