The given name Rocco originates from the Italian language and has its roots in the Germanic name Hrodechi, which means "famous army". The name was derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" meaning "fame" and "egi" meaning "army".

Rocco is a diminutive form of the Italian name Rocco, which is a variant of the Latin name Roccus. This name gained popularity in the Middle Ages and was particularly common in Italy and other parts of Europe.

One of the earliest historical references to the name Rocco can be found in the story of Saint Roch (also known as Rocco or Rocco di Montpellier), a Catholic saint who lived in the 14th century. According to legend, he was born in Montpellier, France, in 1295 and dedicated his life to caring for victims of the Black Death plague.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Rocco. One of the earliest recorded examples is Rocco dei Caccini (c. 1460–c. 1506), an Italian sculptor and architect from Florence.

Another famous Rocco was Rocco Graziani (1892-1955), an Italian military officer and fascist politician who served as the Governor-General of Italian East Africa during World War II.

In the realm of art, Rocco Marconi (1490-1529) was an Italian painter and architect from Treviso who worked in the Renaissance style.

The name Rocco also has a connection to the world of literature, with Rocco Scotellaro (1923-1953), an Italian poet and novelist known for his works that explored the lives of rural farmers and the poor.

Finally, Rocco Baldelli (born 1981) is a former Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, known for his impressive career as an outfielder and his leadership on the field.

While these are just a few examples, the name Rocco has a rich history and has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, contributing to the cultural and historical tapestry of different societies.