Floch

Recorded as Le Floch, Floch, Floche, and possibly others, this is a medieval French surname. It has several possible origins, but the most likely is that it was occupational for maker of sacred church garments, worn by priests and other member of the clergy. As Le Floch, this was a famous Breton family who have been resident in Finisterre for many centuries. There is also a strong possibility that some were members of the Huguenot Protestant religion, and they may have come to England in the 18th century to avoid persecution for their faith. Certainly the surname is well recorded in this outpost of France. This in itself is interesting as during the famous Revolution of 1792 all religion was banned as divisive, until restored by Napoleon ten years later, and the church registers, destroyed by the public executioner. By and large, the further away from Paris, the less enthusiasm for such pointless destruction. As a result and very rarely for a French surname, we have an excellent sampling of recordings from Finisterre. Thse include Pierre Floch christened at Ploudal on October 3rd 1654, and Francois Le Floch, whose daughter Anne was christened at Plougastel-Daoulas, on March 1st 1690.