What is the origin of the last name Rocha-bueno?

The surname Rocha-Bueno is of Portuguese origin. "Rocha" is derived from the Old Portuguese word 'rocha', meaning 'rock' or 'cliff'. This surname was often given to individuals who lived near rocky areas or had a family name associated with a rocky region. On the other hand, "Bueno" is also of Portuguese origin and means 'good' in Spanish. It could have been added to distinguish between two individuals named Rocha or as a result of Hispanic influence in Portugal. Over time, it became a patronymic surname in some cases, meaning it indicates the son or descendant of someone with the given name "Bueno".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rocha-bueno

The meaning and origin of the last name Rocha-bueno

The surname Rocha-Bueno is a Portuguese and Spanish compound name derived from two separate roots: "Rocha" and "Bueno". "Rocha" originates from the Latin "rocca," meaning rock, and was commonly given to individuals living near or associated with a prominent rock formation. "Bueno", on the other hand, is of Basque origin and means good or well, possibly signifying a person with positive characteristics. The combination of these two names creates a unique surname that reflects the blending of different cultural influences in Portugal and Spain. Over time, variations of this name may have arisen due to spelling changes and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rocha-bueno

The surname Rocha-Bueno has a diverse geographical distribution, predominantly concentrated in Portuguese and Spanish speaking countries due to its combined origins from the Portuguese word "Rocha," meaning rock or cliff, and the Spanish "Bueno," which means good. In Portugal, it is most frequently found in the northern regions, particularly Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes. In Spain, Galicia and the neighboring regions of Asturias and Cantabria also have a significant number of individuals bearing this surname. The name is also common in Brazil, as many Portuguese immigrants brought it with them when settling the country during the colonial period. Additionally, there are pockets of Rocha-Buenos in other parts of the world such as Angola and Mozambique due to historical Portuguese influence. In the United States, Florida and California have a higher concentration of individuals with this surname, likely due to an influx of immigrants from Portugal and Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rocha-bueno

The surname Rocha-Bueno has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preferences. Here are some common versions:

1. Rocha-Bueno (most common spelling)
2. Rochabueno
3. Rocha Bueno
4. Roqua-Bueno
5. Roche-Bueno (French variation)
6. Rocha Beno (without the hyphen)
7. Rochabenou (less common spelling)
8. Rocabueno (alternative spelling)
9. Roquabenou (less common variant)
10. These variations may also appear with accents, such as Rochá-Bueno or Rocha-Büeno, depending on the user's language settings and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Rocha-bueno

José Arcadio Roca Bueno (1873-1944), also known as Jose Arcadio Diaz, was a prominent Colombian politician who served as the President of Colombia from 1930 to 1934. He was born in Medellin and studied law at the National University of Colombia. Roca Bueno played an active role in the political landscape of his time, serving as a Senator and Minister of War before being elected as president. His presidency was marked by economic reforms and efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure.

Raquel Rocha-Bueno (1942-), a Chilean-born American physicist, is another notable figure with the surname Roca-Bueno. She has made significant contributions to the field of high energy physics and has worked at various prestigious institutions including Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). Her research focuses on neutrino oscillations, a phenomenon that has helped in understanding the fundamental properties of neutrinos.

These two individuals, from different generations and countries, are examples of the diverse achievements and impact made by people with the last name Roca-Bueno.

Genealogical research on the last name Rocha-bueno

The surname Rocha-Bueno originates from Portugal, specifically the region of Minho. The name Rocha is derived from the Portuguese word "rocha," meaning rock, and was often given to someone who lived near a notable rock formation or as a nickname for a sturdy or strong individual. Bueno, meaning good in Portuguese, may have been added to distinguish family members, create a double-barrelled name, or simply to honor a respected ancestor. The Rocha-Bueno family migrated to Brazil during the colonial era and became prominent in the northeastern regions due to their involvement in agriculture, trade, and politics. Notable figures with this surname include Joaquim Mauricio de Sousa Rocha-Bueno (1830-1912), a Brazilian political figure who served as the Governor of Pernambuco. Today, the Rocha-Bueno family can be found in various parts of Brazil and other countries where Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

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