Roque is a distinctive and unique given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "roc," which means "rock" or "rugged mountain peak." The name Roque is believed to have been brought to Spain by the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the late 5th century.
In Spain, the name Roque has been used for centuries and is still quite popular today. It gained particular prominence during the Middle Ages, when it was often given to individuals who were strong, steadfast, and dependable, much like the rocky terrain from which the name originates. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Roque, including Roque González de Santa Cruz, a Spanish Jesuit missionary and martyr who was beatified in 1897.
Roque is also found in other parts of the world where there has been significant Spanish influence, such as Latin America and the Philippines. In some cases, it may be used as a surname rather than a given name, further adding to its diversity.
Overall, the name Roque carries with it a sense of strength, resilience, and steadfastness, much like the rocky terrain that inspired it. It is a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for a name with a rich history and meaningful origins.
The name Roque has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 2543 births recorded from 1915 to 2023.
In the early years, from 1915 to 1923, there were between 6 and 17 births each year. The decade of the 1930s saw a fluctuating number of births, ranging from 6 to 14 per year. However, it is worth noting that during this period, Roque was not one of the top choices for parents naming their newborn babies.
The name Roque began to gain some traction in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, with an average of around 20 births per year. The highest number of births recorded during this period was in 1955, with 25 births. This trend continued into the 1970s, with Roque remaining relatively popular among parents.
During the 1980s and 1990s, there were significant fluctuations in the number of births each year. For instance, in 1986, there were 38 births, while only four years later, in 1990, there were 41 births recorded. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 1992 with 49 babies named Roque.
More recently, from 2000 to 2023, the popularity of the name Roque has continued to fluctuate. In some years, such as 2001 and 2012, there were fewer than 30 births recorded. However, in other years like 2004 with 54 births and 2022 with 26 births, Roque remained relatively popular among parents.
In conclusion, while the name Roque has not consistently been one of the most popular choices for parents in the United States over the past century, it has maintained a steady presence nonetheless. With a total of 2543 births recorded between 1915 and 2023, Roque continues to be chosen by parents as an uncommon yet meaningful name for their children.