Roach Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Roach come from? What does the surname Roach mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Roach and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Roach Origin: What does the last name Roach mean?
The surname Roach is of English and Irish origin, derived from the Old French word "roche" meaning rock. It first appeared in records in England around the 16th century and has since been closely associated with the United Kingdom. However, the 18th century saw a significant increase in the frequency of the Roach surname in the United States, which continued to rise in the 19th century. This trend indicates a shift in the surname's prevalence from the UK to the US over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Roach surname, with a notable presence in the United States, where it has become highly prominent. The surname has also extended to other regions worldwide, suggesting a widespread distribution of the Roach family over time. This reflects the evolution and migration of the Roach surname across different countries and cultures, highlighting its enduring legacy and diverse heritage.
Roach Last Name History: Where did the last name Roach come from?
Origin of Roach Surname: Where does the last name Roach originate from?
YourRoots data reveals that the surname Roach first enters our records from England (United Kingdom) around the 16th century. As a reminder, this reflects only the specific spelling "Roach" found in YourRoots data and doesn't include other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Roach: What does the Roach surname history look like in the early days?
The "Roach" surname remained closely linked with England from the 16th to the 17th century. However, a shift occurred in the 18th century when the United States began to see a significant rise in the frequency of the Roach surname. This trend continued and was further amplified in the 19th century. Remember, this account is based on the available data in the YourRoots database and may not include every Roach family record globally.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Roach surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records bearing the Roach surname had risen significantly in the United States, surpassing its former stronghold in the United Kingdom. This pattern persisted in the 19th and 20th centuries. The "Roach" surname remains highly prominent in the United States today, and its presence has spread to other regions worldwide. YourRoots data shows the Roach surname in numerous countries, suggesting a global spread of the family over the centuries.
Explore Roach last name heritage and Roach surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Roach Surame?
Jay Roach
Mathew Jay Roach (June 14, 1957 - ) is an American filmmaker known for directing the Austin Powers film series, Meet the Parents, and political dramas like Recount and Game Change. Roach has received critical acclaim and multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for his work. He made his directorial debut with Zoo Radio and continued to direct successful comedies and dramas. Roach is married to musician and actress Susanna Hoffs and has two sons. With a diverse filmography spanning genres, Roach has solidified himself as a versatile and talented director in the entertainment industry.
Pat Roach
Francis Patrick Roach (May 19, 1937 – July 17, 2004) was an English professional wrestler, martial artist, and actor known for his roles in the Indiana Jones film series, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and The Last Place on Earth. Roach was also a National Judo Champion and held both the British and European heavyweight wrestling championships. He appeared in a variety of films from the 1970s to the 1990s, often portraying strong-man supporting characters. Roach's legacy lives on through his memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Alexandra Roach
Alexandra Elizabeth Roach (August 20, 1987 - ) is a Welsh actress known for her roles in popular TV series like Utopia, No Offence, Being Human, and Black Mirror. Fluent in Welsh, she began her career on the soap opera Pobol y Cwm before studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Roach has appeared in notable films such as The Iron Lady and Private Peaceful. She has received critical acclaim for her performances and was named one of Screen International's "Stars of Tomorrow" in 2011. In addition to her acting career, Roach has also lent her voice to video games like Elden Ring and Du Lac & Fey: Dance of Death.
Max Roach
Maxwell Lemuel Roach (January 10, 1924 – August 16, 2007) was an American jazz drummer and composer known for his pioneering work in bebop. He collaborated with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis, shaping the genre's history. Roach's innovative style and contributions to music earned him induction into the DownBeat Hall of Fame and the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. He co-led a quintet with Clifford Brown and founded the percussion ensemble M'Boom. Roach's legacy as one of the greatest drummers in history continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
Hal Roach
Harold Eugene "Hal" Roach Sr. (Jan 14, 1892 – Nov 2, 1992) was an American film and television producer, director, and screenwriter. He founded the Hal Roach Studios and was known for producing iconic franchises like Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd's films, and the Our Gang comedy series. Roach's career spanned from the 1910s to the 1990s, making him a pivotal figure in early media entertainment.
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