Are there cognates of the Italian name “Rocco” in other Romance languages? Is it known from what word or connotation “Rocco” derived? My understanding is that it is not a nickname or diminuitive (though perhaps it once was?).
Also – is French “St. Roc” (or “St. Roch”) related in any way?
Rocco is the Italian version of the saint’s name, yes. St. Rocco/St. Roch was a 13th century knight from Montpelier who tended plague victims, conducted some healings, then caught the plague himself in Piacenza, was thrown out of the town into the woods, where he was miraculously kept alive by a dog who would bring him food. He recovered and came back to Montpelier, where his uncle, who was in charge of the town, didn’t recognize him and thought he was a spy, arrested him, he was thrown in prison and died.
He’s the patron saint of epidemics, dogs, the falsely accused, and a few other things.
previous thread on St. Roch.
Most of what I’d say has been covered. My source is A Dictionary of Saints from Penguin Press, which is a pretty neat little book that a Jewish friend introduced me to.
According to ADoS, St. Roc/Roch/Rocco was 14th century.
Another form of his name (in English) is “Rock”. His feast day is August 16, and his symbol – not surprisingly – is a dog.
I’ve always seen his name as “Rochus”. One of the churches in my grandmother’s town is named after him-- They have a cool statue of him with the dog.