Rochester Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rochester has its roots in Old French, meaning 'fortified place on a rocky hill'. It evolved from earlier forms like Rocester and Roceastre. The name is associated with historical significance and has biblical relevance. Notable people linked to the name include Charles Dickens, adding to its cultural prominence.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Rochester"
Pronunciation
/ˈrɒtʃɛstər/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Rochester is derived from the Old French 'Roceastre', which combines 'roc' meaning 'rock' and 'castrum' meaning 'fortified place'. It refers to a fortified settlement on a rocky hill.
Meaning
fortified place on a rocky hill
Language Evolution
Rocester, Roceastre, Rochester
Historical Usage
Rochester gained popularity in England during the medieval period, particularly in the 12th century when it became known for its cathedral and castle.
Variants & Derivatives
Roch, Rochy, Rochesterian
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Rochester is perceived as a historical city with rich cultural heritage, known for its literary connections and historical significance.
Famous People
Charles Dickens, Rochester of Rochester, James Rochester
📊 Rochester Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Rochester Name Visualizations
✨ Rochester Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 22 peak births in 1944
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Rochester"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Rochester"
"Rochester" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3303rd of 7545 | 100 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2632nd of 6773 | 154 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2572nd of 7552 | 193 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8221st of 10718 | 16 |
Regional Popularity of "Rochester" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
91.29% 2148th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
66.14% 1887th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Rochester" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Rochester"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Rochester" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Rochester" in the United States
The name Rochester is most popular in Mississippi, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Rochester has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Rochester' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3303rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2632nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2572nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8221st out of 10718 names. Discover how the name 'Rochester' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.