Rocko is a unique and unconventional given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian surname Rocco, which itself comes from the Germanic name Hrodgar. The meaning behind Rocko is "rest, tranquility," reflecting its connection to the Latin word "rocus," which translates to rest or calm.
The use of the name Rocko can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was popular among German-speaking populations as a short form for names like Roderich and Roderick. Over time, Rocco evolved into Rocko, with both names being used interchangeably in some regions.
One notable figure associated with the name Rocko is the American musician Roky Erickson, whose real name was Roger Kynard Erickson. Known as a pioneer of the psychedelic rock movement in the 1960s, Erickson went by his nickname Roky throughout his career, further popularizing the unique moniker.
While Rocko may not be as commonly used as Rocco or other similar names, it remains an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their child. Its Italian heritage and calm meaning provide a beautiful combination of culture and tranquility.
The name Rocko has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1975 and 2023, there have been a total of 263 babies named Rocko.
In the early years, the name was not very popular with only 5 births recorded in 1975. However, it started to gain some traction from the early 2000s onwards. The year 2002 saw 7 births, which doubled by 2004. The years 2006 and 2007 were particularly popular for the name Rocko with 10 births each.
The years 2009 to 2010 were also a peak period for the name with 13 births recorded in both years. This trend continued into 2011 with 10 births, before dropping slightly to 8 in 2012. However, it picked up again with a significant increase in popularity from 2013 onwards.
The year 2014 saw the highest number of babies named Rocko with 22 births recorded. This high level of popularity was maintained in 2015 and 2016 with 15 and 16 births respectively. Despite a slight drop in 2017, the name remained popular with 22 births in 2018.
The most recent data available shows that the name Rocko continues to be popular with 19 births recorded in 2020, 16 in 2021, and 15 in 2022. The year 2023 saw a further increase with 18 babies named Rocko so far.
Overall, while the name Rocko has not been consistently popular over the years, it has experienced periods of significant popularity, particularly since the early 2000s. Despite fluctuations in its popularity, the name Rocko continues to be chosen for newborn boys in the United States today.