The name Roche is of French origin and it means "rock" in French. It is a surname that was likely originally given to someone who lived near a rock or rocky area, or perhaps to someone who had a strong and stable character like a rock. The name has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, such as the French philosopher François de La Rochefoucauld, who was known for his maxims on human nature. Today, Roche is still a popular surname in France and other French-speaking countries, as well as among people of French descent around the world. It is also sometimes used as a given name for boys, particularly in France and Quebec.
The name Roche has been used in the United States for at least five decades, with a total of 26 babies given this name since 1956. The number of births each year varied slightly, with nine babies named Roche in 1959, followed by six in both 1980 and 1982. While the popularity of this name has not been widespread, it has maintained a consistent presence over time.