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Rochelle

Girl name · 156 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rochelle: 156 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 13 births in 1991.

Rooted in Old French, Rochelle traditionally means "little rock," ultimately from the Germanic *hrok, giving it a sturdy, dependable feel. The most famous bearer is probably the actress Rochelle D'Auria, better known as Rochelle Hume, but the name also rings bells for fans of the 1970s American sitcom "The Facts of Life," where Nancy McKeon's character was named Jo Polniaczek and her friend was Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey – though the name's biggest pop-culture touchstone is the French seaport La Rochelle, a historic stronghold on the Atlantic coast. Indeed, La Rochelle gives the name a distinct seaside and French flair, making it feel both grounded and romantic. A notable variant is the English spelling Rochelle, while Rachael and Rachel share a Hebrew root but are unrelated in meaning.