Surname Roach - Meaning and Origin
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Roach: What does the surname Roach mean?
The surname Roach is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from a pre-existing location in England. Its roots lie in the Old English word "roche," referring to a rocky outcrop or a rough area of land. Over time, individuals living near such locations may have adopted Roach as a surname. It is categorized as a topographic surname, which were given based on recognizable landmarks or geographical features near an individual's residence. This is why it can be found across various regions in England, as the term could refer to several rocky regions. However, it's most common in Cornwall and Devon, areas known for their rocky landscapes. The prevalence of Roach as a surname in those regions suggests its origins may specifically lie there. In some cases, it may also be of Irish origin derived from the Gaelic name "róthach" meaning champion or hero. However, it's important to remember that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, changing over time and varying based on location.
Order DNA origin analysisRoach: Where does the name Roach come from?
The last name Roach is most common in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, the Roach surname is most prevalent in the south-eastern states of Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina. It was the 162nd most common surname in the United States in the 2000 Census, with just over 66,000 people bearing the name.
The Roach name is thought to have originated in Britain and Ireland, though it is rare in both countries today. In England, the surname is most commonly found in the counties of Devon and Cornwall, while in Scotland it is mainly concentrated in Midlothian and Ayrshire.
It is likely that the name originated in the Old English language and was originally a nickname for someone with ruddy cheeks. It is also possible that it was an occupational name derived from the term "roachman" which means a type of worker who catches fish and cockroaches.
The Roach surname can be seen in some other countries around the world as a result of immigration. For example, there has been some migration of the surname to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. There is also a strong presence in some parts of Latin America, particularly in the countries of Brazil and Mexico.
Variations of the surname Roach
The surname Roach is a location-based name that derives from a location in England, and is of Anglo-Saxon origin. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Roache, Roachee, Rouch, Rouche, Roaches, and Roish.
The earliest recorded spelling of the family name was found in the 13th century in the Pipe Rolls of Cheshire, when Alice de Rouche was mentioned.
Early records mention Robert de Roce of Oxford in 1169, Ranulph de Rouche of Cheshire in 1180 - 1193 and Ranulph de Roce of 1208. John de Rouche of England appeared in the Hundred Rolls in the year 1274.
Other records of the name in England include Thomas Rouse of Clerkenwell, London in 1613, William Roach of St. Botolphs, London in 1613, and Edward Rouche of the County of Sussex in 1689.
In Ireland, the name Roach has been found in counties Cork and Wexford.
The Roach name is also found in Scotland, with William, John and Thomas Rouche appearing in the court records of Edinburgh in 1472.
Today, the spellings and surnames of the same origin are found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name Roach
- Max Roach: Max Roach was an American jazz drummer and percussionist. He is considered as one of the greatest drummers in the history of jazz and an iconic figure in the bebop movement.
- Ted Roach: Ted Roach was an American singer-songwriter and rhythm guitarist best known as a founding member of the ska punk band, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
- Frank Roach: Frank Roach was an American actor best remembered for roles in the Our Gang shorts of the 1930s.
- Danny Roach: Danny Roach is an American guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with former Rollins Band bassist Andrew Weiss in the supergroup Bad Wizard.
- Joey Roach: Joey Roach is an American professional wrestler, best known for his appearances in the Chikara and National Wrestling Federation promotions.
- Roger Roach: Roger Roach is an American actor, best known for his roles in films such as The Long Riders and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.
- Dean Roach: Dean Roach is an American football coach, currently serving as the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans football team.
- Bob Roach: Bob Roach is a professional baseball manager and executive, best known for his successful tenure as general manager of the New York Mets in the 1980s.
- Alice Roach: Alice Roach was an American director, writer, and cinematographer, best known for her 1970 film I Love You, Alice B. Toklas!
- Andy Roach: Andy Roach is an American soccer player, best known for his Major League Soccer career from 2004 to 2009 with the Metropolitan Stars.