The surname Rochester is of English origin and is thought to be locational, deriving from the Old English words "hroc" meaning rook or crow, and "ceaster" meaning Roman fort or walled city. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname hailed from a place called Rochester, which is a city in Kent, England. There are several other places in England with the name Rochester, so it is possible that the surname may have also originated from these locations.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Rochester dates back to the 11th century in England. One of the most notable bearers of the name during this time was Bishop Ernulf of Rochester, who held the position from 1114 to 1124. The surname was also recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror.
As time passed, the surname Rochester spread beyond England to other parts of the world through migration, colonization, and trade. Each region where the surname became established had its own unique history and cultural influences that shaped the significance of the name.
According to data from various countries, the surname Rochester is most common in the United States, with an incidence of 5,227. This reflects the significant English influence in American history, particularly during the colonial period and the mass migration of British settlers to the New World.
In the United Kingdom, the surname Rochester is most prevalent in England, with an incidence of 1,950. This is not surprising given the origins of the name in the city of Rochester, Kent. The surname is also found in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, with lower incidences in these regions.
Outside of the UK and the US, the surname Rochester has also been recorded in countries such as Jamaica, Australia, Canada, Barbados, and New Zealand. These instances of the surname reflect the global reach of English-speaking communities and the spread of British colonial influence.
Throughout history, there have been notable individuals with the surname Rochester who have made significant contributions in various fields. One such individual is John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, a 17th-century poet and courtier known for his witty and satirical works. Another famous bearer of the name is Nathaniel Rochester, an early American land developer and founder of the city of Rochester, New York.
More recently, there are individuals with the surname Rochester who have excelled in modern professions such as medicine, law, business, and the arts. These individuals continue to carry on the legacy of the name and contribute to the diverse tapestry of the Rochester family history.
In conclusion, the surname Rochester has a rich history and diverse origins that have contributed to its prevalence in various regions around the world. From its roots in England to its spread to the United States and beyond, the name has endured over centuries and continues to be a part of many families' identities. By exploring the origins, spread, and notable individuals associated with the surname Rochester, we can gain a greater appreciation for the significance of this name in the realm of surnames.
Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent occurs when it comes to Rochester, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that can be present in all the nations for the world. In the same way you will find countries by which definitely the density of individuals with the surname Rochester is greater than far away.
The chance of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Rochester on the planet, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to start to see the concrete number of individuals utilizing the surname Rochester, to obtain in this manner the particular information of all of the Rochester you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not only where the surname Rochester comes from, but also in what way the people who're originally area of the household that bears the surname Rochester have relocated and relocated. In the same way, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Rochester is our surname, it seems interesting to which other countries associated with world it is possible this one of our ancestors once relocated to.
Rochester Surname
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