Origin of the surname Rock

Recorded as Roake, Rock, Rocke, Roque, the diminutives Rockie, Rockey and Ruckie, and the plurals Roakes, Rockes, Rocks, Rokes, Wrocks, and possibly others, this interesting surname is medieval English. It has several possible origins. The first is residential for somebody who lived near a notable crag or outcrop. This is from the pre 7th century word 'rocc'. The second is again residential but this time for somebody who lived near a large oak tree. This is a fusing of the Middle English phrase "atter oke", meaning at the oak tree.

Thirdly it can be locational either from the village of Rock in Northumberland, which is on a rock, or from Rock in Worcestershire, which is again the fused form of 'atter oke'. Fourthly it can be occupational for a spinner of wool or a maker of distaffs. This is from the English word 'rok', meaning a distaff. Amongst the surviving recordings in the registers of the city of London are the marriage of John Rock and Joane Lowen on November 12th 1581 at St. Giles' Cripplegate, and the marriage of Richard Rockey to Sara Cooke at St Dunstans in the East, Stepney, on March 10th 1636, and that of Mathew Rokes, a witness at St Pancras Old Church, on August 6th 1753. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert Dellroc. This was dated 1182, in Lofvenberg's, Studies of Middle English Local Surnames, for the county of Worcestershire, and during the reign of King Henry 11nd, 1154 - 1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was sometimes known as the Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Rock. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname rock is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of rock. Research into the possible origins of rock leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname rock is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of rock.

The surname Rock around the world

It is common for surnames like rock to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that rock has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where rock is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname rock provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Rock

The historical journey of the surname rock can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of rock. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named rock are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname rock, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of rock developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname rock.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname rock, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of rock could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about rock and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Rock

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all rocks who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname rock, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname rock were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname rock, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Rock and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname rock. The bibliography collects information related to the surname rock, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of rock are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of rock.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of rock, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Rock