Rok History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The origins of the Rok name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the village of Rock found in the various locations that existed in Worcestershire, Devon and also in Northumberland. The surname also has topographic origins in that it describes the area where the original bearers lived. In this case they lived at some residence near a large boulder or rock face.

Early Origins of the Rok family

The surname Rok was first found in Worcestershire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Rok family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rok research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1378, 1379, 1380, 1407 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Rok History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rok Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Rok were recorded, including Rock, Rocks, Roch, Rocke, Rocker, Rooker, Rucker and others.

Early Notables of the Rok family

More information is included under the topic Early Rok Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rok family to Ireland

Some of the Rok family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 103 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rok family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Rok family emigrate to North America: Richard Rock settled in Virginia in 1663; Francis Rocke settled in Virginia in 1636; Andrew, Arthur, Frederick, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Theodore, Thomas and William Rock all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870..