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Rochelle

♀ Girl

Pronounced roh-SHELL /roʊˈʃɛl/High

Meaning: From French roche, 'rock', with a diminutive — 'little rock'; also the city La RochelleHigh

In 30 seconds: A little rock with French polish: Rochelle is steady at the root and silky on the tongue. Vintage, soulful, and quietly strong.

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Origin HighFrench

MeaningFrom French roche, 'rock', with a diminutive — 'little rock'; also the city La Rochelle

U.S. rank (2025)#4646 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births30 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1969

Total births (all-time)≈ 46,996

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Rochelle comes from French roche, 'rock', with a diminutive ending — 'little rock' — and recalls the city of La Rochelle. A mid-century favorite, it carries both sturdiness and grace.

It registers thinly today. Rare, little-rock at the root, and soulful.

Did you know? Rochelle echoes the French port of La Rochelle — 'the little rock' — pairing seaside-fortress strength with a soft, romantic sound.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Rochelle — etymology

Variations

RocheleRoschelleRachelle

Nicknames

ShellyRo

Famous Bearers

★Rochelle Humes (1989-)
British singer and TV presenter, former member of the girl group The Saturdays
★Rochelle Walensky (1969-)
American physician who served as Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021-2023

If you like Rochelle…

Rachelle— a rhyming -elle classic

Michelle— a companion -elle favorite

Danielle— another vintage -elle name

Lucille— another vintage pick

Adelle— echoes that soft -le sound

Explore names like Rochelle

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rochelle mean?

Rochelle is French for 'little rock', also recalling the city La Rochelle.

How do you pronounce Rochelle?

It's said roh-SHELL /roʊˈʃɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Rochelle a boy or girl name?

Rochelle is a girl's name.

How popular is Rochelle?

Rochelle is a rare name in the U.S. today.