Rochester Family History

English (Northumberland and Durham) is a habitational name derived from one of three places in Northumberland with early spellings that are often similar and difficult to distinguish. Rudchester in Ovingham is likely the primary source of the surname, which is primarily found in the southern half of Northumberland. Other potential sources include Rochester parish and a lost location known as Ruchester in Chollerton.

Rudchester may stem from the Old Norse term rauthr meaning ‘red’ combined with the Old English ceaster, which translates to ‘(Roman) city’ or ‘old fortification’. Similarly, Rochester parish's name comes from an uncertain first element plus the Old English ceaster. The lost Ruchester in Chollerton likely derives from Old English rūh meaning ‘rough’ together with ceaster.

Occasionally, the name may refer to the more widely recognized city of Rochester in Kent, which was recorded by Bede around 730 AD under the names Dorubrevi and Hrofæcæstre. The former reflects the original British name, composed of the elements duro- for ‘fortress’ and brīvā for ‘bridge’.

The latter name appears to be a shortened form of the former, potentially influenced by a folk etymological connection to the Old English hrōf meaning ‘roof’, combined with the explanatory Old English cæster meaning ‘Roman fort’, itself derived from the Latin castra for ‘military camp’.

Furthermore, confusion may have arisen with Wroxeter in Shropshire, which was recorded in the Domesday Book as Rochecestre. For additional reference, see Register and Rossiter.