Origin & Meaning of the Rochester Surname
What does the last name Rochester mean?
The surname Rochester carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,024 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rochester ranks as the #8,238 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rochester come from?
The Rochester surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Rochester name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rochester trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Rochester |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,238 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,024 |
| Per 100K People | 1.36 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rochester
According to the US Census, the Rochester surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,024 Americans with the Rochester last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 63.52% |
| Black | 30.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.96% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.72% |
| Two or More Races | 2.19% |
Popularity of Rochester Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rochester surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rochester surname increased by 272 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Rochester
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Rochester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester
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