Surname Darroch - Meaning and Origin

Darroch: What does the surname Darroch mean?

The last name Darroch is of Scottish descent. The name originates from the region of Galloway, Scotland, where the Darrochs are believed to have first settled in the 11th century. Meaning "oak," the Darrochs are thought to have come from the Old Welsh words "dar," meaning "oak," and "och," meaning "bank, looks, or hollows."

The surname is likely associated with an early family or clan of warriors, believed to have descended from a chief of the Race of Galwegians, descended from Fergus Mor and King Erc of Dalriada. This indicates that the Darroch family likely have a long and proud history as a family of fighters and warriors.

Although the Darroch name is no longer as common as it once was, those who bear the surname today can trace their lineage back to this ancient time and are proud to carry the name.

Today, the surname Darroch is a popular Scottish surname, with many current-day Darrochs scattered throughout Great Britain and the United States. It is also a popular last name in other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Though the original Darrochs may have been warriors, descendants of the family today are found in all walks of life, often living successful, meaningful, and productive lives. In whatever field they find themselves today, the Darroch surname carries with it a strong sense of honor, pride, and legacy.

Darroch: Where does the name Darroch come from?

The last name Darroch is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Scottish highlands. It is an old Scottish surname dating back to the 13th century. Records indicate that the name was first found in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland, where several generations of people with the surname Darroch were recorded. The name is most likely derived from the Gaelic language, deriving from the words "dara" meaning "oak", and "roch" meaning strength or power.

The name Darroch is spread throughout Scotland today, with many families located around Dundee, Angus, and Perth. The name is not as common as it once was, however, it is still occasionally found in the towns and villages of Scotland.

Outside of Scotland, the last name Darroch has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as the United States and Canada. Records show that the name was first brought to the United States during the great waves of immigration to the country in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are now much smaller pockets of Darrochs spread throughout Europe, as well as further afield in Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world.

The Darroch name has continued to evolve over the centuries, with different spellings and pronunciation's emerging, including Daroch, Derroch, Deroch, and Derrach.

Variations of the surname Darroch

The Darroch surname has several variants, spellings, and surnames which are of the same origin. The spelling of the surname is varied depending on the area in which the person resides. Some of the most common variations of the surname are as follows:

Darrow, Darroch, Darrah, Darrach, Derroch, Deroche, Derrah, Dereche, Derrach, Derrah, Derrych, Derryche, Darroche, Darrock, Darruagh, Darro, Darrogh, Darroa, Derrow, Derrowen, Derroy, Derric, Derricke, and Derrik.

The origin of the Darroch surname is believed to have the Scots-Irish, Scots-Gaelic, or Gaelic origins, due to the various derivations of the same name over time. The name Darragh is the most commonly used Gaelic spelling and is equivalent to the name "Farrell" which is also of Scots-Gaelic origin.

The origin of the Darroch spelling is generally attributed to Scotland, while the Derric spelling is more commonly used in Ireland, with the Derrych spelling most prominent in Ulster.

In Scotland, the orthography of the surname could also be found in the former spelling of Darraugh, while in Ireland, the spelling Darrac could be found more commonly, as well as Derragh.

The Darrock variation of the name is generally assumed to have originated in Scotland, while the Derrock spelling is also popular.

The Derrach, Derrah, and Dereche variations are more common in Northern Ireland, with the Derrah spelling having been used in Scotland in the past.

Finally, the Derryche spelling is most frequently found in British Isles as well as some countries of Europe, and is often considered to be the most ancient spelling of the surname, which was used prior the arrival of the English.

Famous people with the name Darroch

• Justin Darroch: former English professional snooker player, with an endorsement from the Professional Billiards & Snooker Association.
• Paul Darroch: British television and film actor, known for appearing in the drama series Sun Trap and the films Sunshine on Leith and The Bill.
• Kim Darroch: British ambassador to the United States from 2016 to 2019.
• Brett Darroch: Scottish football player who has made more than 150 appearances for Kilmarnock Football Club in the Scottish Premier League.
• Graeme Darroch: Scottish international rugby union player who was part of the Grampian Tigers Regional Team in 2004-2005 and has since played professionally for various clubs in Scotland and England.
• Bruce Darroch: Canadian Olympic sailor who competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea.
• Catriona Le May Doan: Canadian speed skater and Order of Canada recipient who is the daughter of Rodney and Christine Darroch.
• Clive Darroch: Scottish actor known for his appearances in the television series Taggart, Rebus and Monarch of the Glen.
• Laura Darroch: British actress best known for her leading roles in the television series At Home with the Braithwaites and Waking the Dead.
• Stephen Darroch: former member of the British Parliament who held the seat for Edinburgh East from 1997 to 2010.

Other surnames

DarroughDarrow