NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rochaix

What is the origin of the last name Rochaix?

The surname Rochaix is believed to have French origins. It is derived from various place names in France, particularly those associated with a rocky area or cliff. Examples include Rocher (rock), Roche (cliff), and Roches (rocks). Over time, these geographical names were used as surnames by the inhabitants of these places.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rochaix

The meaning and origin of the last name Rochaix

The surname Rochaix is a French variation of the name Rocher, which means "rock" in French. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived on or near a rocky outcrop, or an occupational name for a mason or quarryman. The origin of the surname can be traced back to medieval France, where it was originally a nickname given to someone who had distinctive physical features resembling a rock or lived in a rocky area. Over time, the surname spread across Europe and has various spellings, such as Rochais, Roché, and Roquai. Today, the name is relatively uncommon but still found in France and other French-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rochaix

The surname Rochaix is predominantly found in France, particularly in the eastern region of Franche-Comté and the Rhône-Alpes region. It's also present in neighboring regions such as Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, suggesting possible migration within these areas over time. The name is derived from a toponymic source, referring to places named Rocher (rock) or Roche (cliff), indicating that its early bearers likely resided near such geographical features. Outside France, the surname Rochaix is less common but can be found in countries with French settlers, including Canada, Switzerland, and Belgium.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rochaix

The surname Rochaix has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common variants include:

* Rochais
* Rochax
* Rochay
* Rocheix
* Rochaix
* Rochays
* Rochaixs

These variations may be found in different regions, reflecting local dialects or historical influences. Additionally, some individuals may have changed the spelling of their surname over time for personal reasons, leading to further variations. The correct spelling of a particular individual's surname should be based on the official records for that person.

Famous people with the last name Rochaix

Notable individuals with the surname Rochaix include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Rochaix (1897-1962), a French archaeologist and prehistorian, known for his work on Neolithic and Bronze Age sites in France and Switzerland.

2. Pierre Rochaix (born 1942), a Swiss botanist who is a specialist in plant systematics, particularly ferns and lycopods. He has published numerous papers and books on these topics.

3. Frédéric Rochaix (born 1968), a French musician who is the guitarist for the rock band Téléphone. He replaced original member Eric Sassin in 1985, following Sassin's departure from the group.

4. Stéphane Rochaix (born 1970), a French composer and singer-songwriter who has released several albums of his own music as well as composing scores for films and theater productions.

Genealogical research on the last name Rochaix

The surname Rochaix originates from France and is primarily found in the region of Savoie, with the most notable concentration around the city of Aix-les-Bains. The name is derived from the Old French word "roche" meaning rock or cliff, indicating a place where the family resided or owned land. Some variations of this surname include Rochais and Rockhousen. Notable individuals with the surname Rochaix include Jean Rochaix (1796-1853), a French politician who served as Mayor of Aix-les-Bains, and Pierre Rochaix (born 1940), a Swiss mathematician known for his work in the field of algebraic geometry. The family history can be traced back to the 16th century, with records showing that several members of the Rochaix family served as mayors and councilors of Aix-les-Bains throughout the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 25 July 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

Roca (Last name)

surnames > roca

The last name "Roca" has multiple origins and can be found in different parts of the world. Here are some possible origins: 1. Spanish: In Spanish, the word "roca" translates to "...

Roca mogar (Last name)

surnames > roca-mogar

The last name "Roca Mogar" is of Spanish origin. The surname "Roca" derives from the Spanish word for "rock" or "stone," and may have originated as a topographic or habitational su...

Rocaberte (Last name)

surnames > rocaberte

The last name "Rocaberte" is of Spanish origin. It is a toponymic surname derived from the word "roca" meaning "rock" or "stone" and the suffix "-berte" denoting a place or locatio...

Rocafort (Last name)

surnames > rocafort

The surname "Rocafort" is a toponymic Spanish surname derived from a place-name, specifically from one of several towns named Rocafort in Spain and Catalonia, which means "strong f...

Rocas (Last name)

surnames > rocas

The surname "Rocas" is of Spanish origin. It derives from the word "roca," which means "rock" in English. In Spain, it was often given to someone who lived near a rocky area or lan...

Rocasolano (Last name)

surnames > rocasolano

The surname Roca Solano is of Spanish origin. It is a composite surname derived from two separate surnames, Roca (meaning rock in Spanish) and Solano (meaning sunny place or sandba...

Rocaya (Last name)

surnames > rocaya

The last name Rocaya is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the given name Ruqayya, which means "elevated" or "high."

Rocca (Last name)

surnames > rocca

The surname "Rocca" has Italian origins and is derived from the word "rocca," which means rock or fortress in Italian. It was originally a topographic surname, given to people who ...

Roccaro (Last name)

surnames > roccaro

The surname Roccaro is of Italian origin and has its roots in various regions of Italy, particularly Sicily, where it was often associated with the Norman conquest of the island in...

Rocco (Last name)

surnames > rocco

The surname Rocco is of Italian and Sicilian origin. It derives from the male given name Rocco, which means "rest" or "repose" in Italian. This name has been popular since medieval...

Rocean (Last name)

surnames > rocean

The last name "Rocean" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the word "roșeanu", which means "red-haired" in Romanian. The name likely originated as a descriptive surname for ...

Rocha (Last name)

surnames > rocha

The surname "Rocha" is of Portuguese origin. In Portugal, it is derived from the word 'rocha', which means 'rock' or 'cliff' in English. It was often used to identify someone who l...

Rocha-bueno (Last name)

surnames > 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...

Rocha-lima (Last name)

surnames > rocha-lima

The surname Rocha-Lima does not have a straightforward origins traceable to one specific region or event, as it is a combination of two common Portuguese surnames: Rocha and Lima. ...

Rochard (Last name)

surnames > rochard

The surname Rochard is of French origin. It derived from a number of place names in France, including Rocquart, Roucourt, and Rochedreville. These place names come from Old French ...