Roche - Irish Surname Origin & Meaning
Irish form: de Róiste
Meaning: Norman - “of the rock”
Traditional stronghold: Wexford, Cork
Pronunciation: ROHSH; Irish de Róiste: deh ROSH-teh
History of the Roche name
Roche comes from the Norman de la Roche, 'of the rock', borne by Flemish-descended families who came to Ireland from Pembrokeshire in Wales with the 12th-century invasion. They settled principally in Cork, where the Roches became Viscounts Fermoy and gave their name to Castletownroche, and in Wexford, where Roches were repeatedly mayors of the town; Limerick city also had a prominent merchant branch. Like many Norman families they became thoroughly Irish in speech and allegiance, losing their great estates in the Cromwellian and Williamite confiscations. The name remains most common in Cork and Wexford. Diana, Princess of Wales, descended from the Roche Barons Fermoy through her mother.
Variants: de Róiste · Roach · Roache
Famous bearers of the name
- Stephen Roche - Dublin cyclist who won the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and World Championship in a single season, 1987.
- Sir Boyle Roche - 18th-century MP celebrated for his absurd mixed metaphors, including the bird that was in two places at once.
- Adi Roche - Tipperary-born founder of Chernobyl Children International and campaigner for nuclear disarmament.
Related names from the same part of Ireland: Murphy · O'Sullivan · McCarthy · Doyle · Daly · Collins · Flynn · Healy