Last Name Rocas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rocas

The meaning and origin of the last name Rocas

The surname Rocas has its roots in Spanish and Portuguese languages, where "roca" means "rock" or "cliff." It is a topographic surname, indicating that an individual originally resided near a rocky area. Over time, as families migrated or changed regions, the name became a hereditary one. The use of geographical features to identify people has been a common practice throughout history, particularly in medieval Europe where it was difficult to keep track of individuals without such identifiers. Today, the surname Rocas is found primarily in countries with significant Spanish and Portuguese influence, such as Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines. Notable individuals bearing this name include Spanish footballer José Antonio Rocas and Brazilian artist Pedro Alexandre de Almeida Rocas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rocas

The surname Rocas has a significant presence in both Portugal and Spain, primarily due to their shared linguistic and cultural history. In Portugal, it is predominantly found in the northern regions, particularly in districts such as Braga, Porto, and Vila Real. In contrast, in Spain, the name is more evenly distributed across several autonomous communities, with concentrations in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León. Additionally, smaller numbers of individuals bearing the Rocas surname can be found in other Spanish regions, including Aragon, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands. The name's dispersal across these geographical areas may be attributed to historical migration patterns, particularly during the Age of Discoveries when Portuguese explorers ventured into Spain and its overseas territories.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rocas

The surname Rocas has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include:

1. Rojas - This is one of the most popular spellings, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain and Latin America. It's also used by people of Hispanic descent around the world.

2. Roca - This variant is more commonly found in Portugal, Italy (Rocca), and regions where Portuguese or Italian immigrants have settled, such as Brazil and parts of the United States.

3. Rockas - In English-speaking countries, the surname Rocas may sometimes be anglicized to Rockas. However, this spelling is less common compared to Rojas or Roca.

4. De las Rocas - This is a compound surname where "de" means "of," and "las Rocas" refers to "the rocks." This variation is more commonly found in Spain and Latin America.

5. Les Rochas - In French, the surname Rocas can be translated as Les Rochas, which means "the rocks." This spelling is used primarily by French speakers or those with a French heritage.

6. A combination of the above, such as Rojas-Roca or Rockas-de las Rocas, may also occur when families adopt elements from different cultures over time.

Famous people with the last name Rocas

The Rocas surname is prominent in various fields across the globe. Notable individuals include José Rómulo de la Carcova Rocas (1896-1973), a Paraguayan political figure who served as President from 1939 to 1940 and again from 1954 to 1956. In the Philippines, the family of President Manuel L. Quezon included Sergio Osmeña Roces (1874-1945), a lawyer and politician who served as President from 1944 to 1946, succeeding Quezon. In Spain, Jesús Roca de los Ríos (b. 1962) is a prominent journalist, television presenter, and political commentator. Additionally, Eduardo Rocco (1909-1983), an Argentine tango singer, composer, and actor, gained international fame for his contributions to the genre. These individuals showcase the diverse achievements and influences of people sharing the surname Rocas.

Genealogical research on the last name Rocas

The last name Rocas, derived from the Spanish word for "rocks," has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula. Historically, it is predominantly found among the inhabitants of Spain and Portugal. One of the earliest recorded Rocas was Diego Gómez de Rocas, who lived in the 16th century in Galicia, Spain. The family migrated to the American continents during the Spanish colonization period, with many settling in present-day Mexico and other Latin American countries. In Brazil, a notable Rocas family includes the Marquises of Tupanatinga, whose lineage can be traced back to the 18th century. In more recent times, the Rocas family has spread globally due to migration waves, especially to the United States and other parts of Europe and Oceania. Genealogical research suggests that the Rocas family shares roots with other Iberian surnames such as Pedroza, Herrera, and López, indicating a common ancestry among these lineages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rocas"
• 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 : 12 June 2025