Rokas is a Lithuanian masculine given name, a form of Rocco. The Germanic name Rocco is thought to derive from the element hruoh meaning “crow” or “rook.” The name gained popularity after the 14th-century French saint Rocco (Italian: San Rocco), who was known for caring for plague victims before contracting the disease himself; he is venerated as the patron saint of the sick. Notable Bearers Several Lithuanian athletes share the name Rokas, reflecting the name’s modern prominence in the country. In basketball, Rokas Giedraitis (born 1992) and Rokas Jokubaitis (born 2000) have represented Lithuania internationally, including at European championships and in the NBA. Rokas Čepanonis (born 1986) is a Lithuanian-American basketball guard. Beyond basketball, Rokas Guščinas (born 1991) competes in artistic gymnastics, and Rokas Zaveckas (born 1996) is an alpine skier. In other fields, Rokas Masiulis (born 1969) is a politician and former Minister of Transport and Communications, Rokas Žilinskas (1972–2017) was a journalist and Member of the European Parliament, and Rokas Zubovas (born 1966) is a classical pianist singer. The name also appears as a surname in Greece, most notably footballer Efstathios Rokas (born 1984). Cultural Context Rokas fits within the Baltic onomastic tradition of adopting and adapting Christian saint names into local forms. Other regional variants of Rocco include Rocky (English informal diminutive), Roc (Catalan), Roko (Croatian), Rokus (Dutch), Rochus (Germanic), and Roch (Polish). While the saint’s veneration spread across Europe, the name remains most commonly used in Baltic and Slavic regions. In modern Lithuania, Rokas is a well-established yet not overly common name, popular among those born from the 1980s onward. Key Facts Meaning: “crow” or “rook” (Germanic) Origin: Lithuanian form of Rocco Type: Masculine given name Usage: Lithuanian, with variant forms across European languages