Last Name Rochat

The surname Rochat is of Swiss and French origin. It comes from a place-name in Switzerland (Rochette) or France (Rochat), which means "small rock" in French. People who lived near these places took the name as their own, often signifying that their family home was located near a small rocky outcrop. The surname Rochat can also be found in Italy, where it is believed to have been introduced by French-speaking immigrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rochat

The meaning and origin of the last name Rochat

The surname Rochat is of Swiss origin, primarily found in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland, such as Vaud and Geneva. It is derived from the Old French word "roche" meaning 'rock' or 'cliff', which was likely used to describe a location marked by such geographical features, thus serving as an identifier for early settlers and their families. Over time, these locations became associated with specific families, leading to the development of hereditary surnames like Rochat. The name may also have been brought to Switzerland by French-speaking immigrants during medieval times, further spreading its usage across the region. Today, it remains a common surname within Swiss and French communities, reflecting the historical connections between these two nations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rochat

The surname Rochat is primarily found in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, specifically in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Neuchâtel. Its concentration is highest in the lake Geneva area, where it represents a significant portion of the population. It is also present in smaller numbers in neighboring France, particularly in the Rhône-Alpes and Franche-Comté regions. Beyond Europe, the Rochat family can be found in parts of North America, primarily in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, and in some U.S. states like California, Illinois, and Florida, due to historical immigration from Switzerland. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical and cultural ties between these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rochat

The surname Rochat possesses several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Rochat-Oltramare, Rochat-De la Rive, Rochard, Rochett, Rohat, Rochate, and Rochet. These variations may be due to factors such as spelling changes over time, regional dialects, or errors in transcription during official record keeping. In Switzerland, where the name is most commonly found, it originates from the French-speaking canton of Vaud, with some branches tracing back to Savoie, France. It is also occasionally found in other parts of Europe and North America, where emigration from Switzerland brought the name to new shores. Despite these variations, all versions share a common root in the occupational name for a watchmaker or someone who made small, decorative boxes (from Old French rochet 'little box').

Famous people with the last name Rochat

The Rochat family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Henri-Georges Rochat (1863-1947), a Swiss architect and urban planner who contributed significantly to the development of Lausanne, Switzerland, by designing notable buildings such as the Palace of Justice and the Olympic Museum. Another distinguished member is Pierre Rochat (born 1952), a Swiss diplomat who served as the Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations from 2010 to 2016. In the world of art, Jean-Pierre Rochat (born 1948) is a Swiss painter and sculptor whose works have been exhibited in numerous galleries worldwide. Lastly, Isabelle Rochat (born 1973) is a French mathematician who has made significant contributions to number theory, particularly in the study of Diophantine equations and modular forms. These individuals exemplify the intellectual and professional prowess of the Rochat family across different domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Rochat

The surname Rochat is primarily of Swiss origin, specifically from the Romandy region, where it is among the top 200 most common last names. Its roots can be traced back to the Middle Ages, during the growth and consolidation of the Old Swiss Confederacy. One significant branch of the family originated in the canton of Fribourg, with the earliest recorded instance dating back to the mid-16th century. The Rochat family expanded throughout Switzerland, particularly in the Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva, and Bern regions, as well as into neighboring France and Italy due to religious and economic migrations. Notable individuals bearing this surname include the poet Jean-Jacques Rochat (1850-1924) and the politician René Rochat (born 1954).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rochat"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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