Rocco

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROK-oh /ˈrɒk.oʊ/High

Meaning: Italian form of the Germanic name Hroc, meaning 'rest' or possibly derived from a battle cry; associated with Saint Rocco (Roch), a 14th-century French saint venerated as patron against plaguesMedium

In 30 seconds: Rocco is a punchy, cool Italian name with Germanic warrior roots and a strong Catholic tradition through St. Rocco. It has a distinctly stylish, no-nonsense energy that has made it a rising modern favorite.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighItalian, Germanic

MeaningItalian form of the Germanic name Hroc, meaning 'rest' or possibly derived from a battle cry; associated with Saint Rocco (Roch), a 14th-century French saint venerated as patron against plagues

U.S. rank (2025)#459 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births679 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 31,677

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rocco is the Italian form of the Germanic name Hroc, of uncertain but possibly Old High German origin meaning 'rest.' It was adopted by the French saint Roch (c. 1295–1327), born in Montpellier, who devoted himself to caring for plague victims. His veneration spread throughout Catholic Europe, particularly in Italy, making Rocco a beloved Italian saint's name.

In modern times, Rocco has been used throughout Italy and in Italian-American communities in the United States. It gained additional visibility when Madonna named her son Rocco in 2000. The name's short, punchy sound and Italian cool have made it increasingly fashionable in the 21st century.

Did you know? Saint Rocco (St. Roch) became one of the most venerated plague saints in Europe after miraculously surviving the Black Death and caring for other victims — leading to his widespread invocation in Catholic communities and keeping the name Rocco alive for centuries.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Rocco — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RochRoqueRock

Nicknames

RockRoc

Famous Bearers

★Saint Rocco (St. Roch) (c. 1295–1327)
14th-century French-Italian plague saint, patron against infectious diseases
★Rocco Ritchie (2000–present)
Son of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, born 2000

If you like Rocco…

Nico— shares the short, punchy Italian/Mediterranean feel

Marco— another two-syllable Italian classic with Catholic heritage

Luca— shares the crisp Italian sound and the same modern fashionable appeal

Mario— shares the Italian Catholic tradition and two-syllable masculine energy

Frequently Asked

What does Rocco mean?

Rocco derives from the Germanic Hroc, meaning 'rest.' It was borne by Saint Rocco, a 14th-century plague saint widely venerated in Catholic Europe, especially Italy.

How do you pronounce Rocco?

Rocco is pronounced ROK-oh /ˈrɒk.oʊ/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Rocco an Italian name?

Yes. Rocco is the Italian form of the Germanic Roch/Hroc, and is strongly associated with Italian Catholic culture through Saint Rocco.

Is Rocco a popular name?

Rocco has been rising in the U.S. and ranked in the top 400 boys' names in recent years, valued for its cool Italian flair and punchy sound.