Rocco

Rocco is the Italian form of Roch, the name of a saint born in Montpellier in the 14th century. The name has Germanic roots, but what it first meant is not clear. Old German words for “rest”, “crow” and “to roar” have all been suggested.

Saint Roch is remembered for tending the sick during outbreaks of plague in Italy. In the best-known story he fell ill himself and hid in a forest, where a dog brought him bread each day until he recovered. He became a patron saint against plague, and San Rocco is still a familiar name across Italy. The boxer Rocky Marciano was born Rocco Marchegiano.

Rocco first appears in the CSO records in 2004. Its biggest year was 2015, with 23 boys, and its best rank came when it reached number 229 in 2019. It has held steady since, with 18 boys in 2025. In Northern Ireland it reached number 219 in 2013.