Holding steady.
Popularity of Rochester since 1914
Babies named Rochester per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 46 |
| 1920s | 68 |
| 1930s | 47 |
| 1940s | 148 |
| 1950s | 104 |
| 1960s | 44 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Rochester is a rare English given name, most often associated with the surname or the city of Rochester, Kent. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1914, though it never entered the top 1000. Its peak usage came in 1944, when it was most frequently recorded, likely influenced by cultural references like the Jane Eyre character. The name has seen stable, minimal use over the decades, with no notable revival. While it does not appear in any top state popularity lists, its historical connection to Rochester, New York, may have contributed to infrequent local use. Overall, Rochester remains an uncommon choice, appealing to those seeking a distinguished surname-style name with literary ties.
Rochester is an English surname and place name derived from Old English Hrofcæster, combining Hrof (a personal name or 'rook') and ceaster ('Roman fort'). It refers to the city of Rochester in Kent. As a given name, it saw modest use in the early 20th century, often inspired by the surname or the literary character Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roche, Roch
Sibling names for Rochester
Names that share Rochester's style, for a brother or sister.
