NameCensus.

UK surname

Rocca

A surname derived from the Italian word "rocca" meaning a fortress or citadel.

In the 1881 census there were 39 people recorded with the Rocca surname, ranking it #28,137 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 185, ranked #20,652, up from #28,137 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Trafford, East Devon and Cheshire East.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Rocca is 191 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 374.4%.

1881 census count

39

Ranked #28,137

Modern count

185

2016, ranked #20,652

Peak year

2010

191 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Rocca had 39 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #28,137 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 185 in 2016, ranked #20,652.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 64 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Rocca surname distribution map

The map shows where the Rocca surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Rocca surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Rocca over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1 #33,412
1861 historical 8 #32,887
1881 historical 39 #28,137
1891 historical 50 #30,253
1901 historical 59 #27,609
1911 historical 64 #26,435
1997 modern 157 #20,513
1998 modern 170 #20,030
1999 modern 167 #20,374
2000 modern 173 #19,889
2001 modern 166 #20,129
2002 modern 180 #19,533
2003 modern 171 #19,953
2004 modern 170 #20,146
2005 modern 178 #19,535
2006 modern 186 #19,140
2007 modern 178 #19,887
2008 modern 181 #19,875
2009 modern 183 #20,135
2010 modern 191 #20,015
2011 modern 191 #19,871
2012 modern 180 #20,606
2013 modern 184 #20,643
2014 modern 189 #20,441
2015 modern 180 #20,997
2016 modern 185 #20,652

Geography

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Where Roccas are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Trafford, East Devon, Cheshire East and Balmullo and Gauldry. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Trafford 018 Trafford
2 Trafford 015 Trafford
3 East Devon 010 East Devon
4 Cheshire East 006 Cheshire East
5 Balmullo and Gauldry Fife

Forenames

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First names often paired with Rocca

These lists show first names that appear often with the Rocca surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Rocca

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Rocca, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Rocca surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Rocca household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Rocca is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Rocca is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Rocca falls in decile 7 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Rocca is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

This describes the area pattern most associated with Rocca, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Rocca

The surname Rocca finds its origins in Italy, emerging in the medieval period around the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Italian word "rocca," which means a rock or fortress, indicating a connection to someone who lived near or worked in a fortified structure.

The earliest known bearers of the name can be traced back to regions such as Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lazio. In these areas, the Rocca name was associated with noble families who held positions of power and influence within their local communities.

Historical records show that the name appeared in various medieval documents, including the registers of the Republic of Genoa in the 13th century. This suggests that members of the Rocca family were actively involved in the maritime trade and commerce of the time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the 14th century, when a certain Guglielmo Rocca (c. 1320-1385) was a renowned architect and military engineer from Genoa. He was responsible for designing and constructing several fortifications and defensive structures throughout Italy.

Another notable figure was Pier Luigi Rocca (1520-1577), a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church during the 16th century. He held influential positions within the church and played a significant role in the Council of Trent, a pivotal event in the Counter-Reformation.

In the realm of art, the name Rocca is associated with Tommaso Rocca (1600-1670), a distinguished Italian painter from the Baroque period. His works, which often depicted religious themes, can be found in various churches and galleries throughout Italy.

During the Renaissance, the Rocca family also gained prominence in the field of literature. Antonio Rocca (1585-1653), a poet and writer from Naples, was celebrated for his poetic works, including the epic poem "La Roccheide."

Another noteworthy figure was Massimiliano Rocca (1765-1840), a military leader and statesman from the Kingdom of Sardinia. He played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars and later served as the Prime Minister of Sardinia from 1832 to 1835.

The Rocca surname has also been associated with various place names throughout Italy, such as Rocca di Papa, a town in the province of Rome, and Rocca Priora, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Rocca families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Rocca surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 24 Roccas recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.32x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 24 5.32x
Angus 8 22.70x
Aberdeenshire 6 17.03x
Middlesex 1 0.26x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Manchester in Lancashire leads with 13 Roccas recorded in 1881 and an index of 64.04x.

Place Total Index
Manchester 13 64.04x
Dundee 8 60.79x
Aberdeen Old Machar 6 81.63x
Liverpool 6 21.89x
Chorlton On Medlock 4 55.79x
Barton Upon Irwell 1 29.41x
Charterhouse London 1 555.56x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Rocca surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Louisa 2
Mary 2
Alice 1
Amelia 1
Aurelia 1
Elizabeth 1
Maria 1
Rosina 1
Teresa 1
Virginia 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Rocca surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 4
Louis 2
Ambrose 1
Andrea 1
George 1
Guiseppe 1
Henry 1
Joseph 1
Thomas 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Rocca households.

FAQ

Rocca surname: questions and answers

How common was the Rocca surname in 1881?

In 1881, 39 people were recorded with the Rocca surname. That placed it at #28,137 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Rocca surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 185 in 2016. That gives Rocca a modern rank of #20,652.

What does the Rocca surname mean?

A surname derived from the Italian word "rocca" meaning a fortress or citadel.

What does the Rocca map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Rocca bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.