The title of Duke de La Rochefoucauld is a French peerage belonging to the most famous and legendary family of the French nobility (only matched by the Bourbon and the Habsburg in Europe) whose origins go back to Lord Rochefoucauld in Charente in the 10th century with Foucauld 1st (973-1047), first Lord of La Rochefoucauld, son of Adémar, Lord of La Roche (952-1037). They got the title of Baron in the 13th century, then became Count in 1528 with Francis I de La Rochefoucauld, godfather of King Francis 1st and in 1622, Francis V de La Rochefoucauld was made Duke by Louis XIII. They are also since 16th century, Prince of Marcillac. They become during the 18th century : Duke of Liancourt, Duke of Anville and Duke of Estissac. They become during the 19th century : Prince de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel, Duke of Doudeauville, Duke of Estrees and Duke of Bisaccia. They are also : Marquees de Montendre, de Barbezieux, de Surgères and de Bayers ; also Count de Duretal, Count de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel and Baron de Verteuil.
Origins of the name
Authors have advanced, but without evidence, that the first member of this family, Adémar, known as Amaury or Esmerin, by Viscounty of Limoges, or the son of the lord Hugh I of Lusignan. This latter hypothesis could be reinforced by the armorial bearings of the family. The work of André Debord leaves it to the house of Montbron in the 12th century.
The seigniory of La Roche was originally a barony in the 13th century. The descendants of Foucauld I de La Roche and of Jarsande, united their name Foucauld.