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Rosemary

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Latin or English
"dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)"

Rosemary Origin and Meaning

The name Rosemary is a girl's name of Latin origin meaning "dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)".

Despite appearances, Rosemary is not a "smoosh" name, not even a traditional one. The name derives from two Latin terms "Ros" meaning ‘dew’ and "Marinus" "meaning "of the sea". The plant was termed ‘dew of the sea’ due to its salty texture and its ability to thrive in coastal climes. Only after the Middle Ages did the English names of Rose and Mary become interchanged with the name Rosmarinus and give us the modern name we use today.

In ancient legend, Rosemary was draped around Aphrodite when she rose from the sea. It was regarded then as beneficial in strengthening the memory and became a symbol for faithful lovers. In Hamlet, Ophelia says "There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember."

The name was long associated with George Clooney's aunt, the great pop singer Rosemary; less pleasant associations are with the 1967 movie Rosemary's Baby.

A common variation is Rosemarie; many parents are now looking to the stand-alone nickname Romy.

# 367 in the US

Rosemary Rank in US Top 1000

# 286 on Nameberry

Rosemary Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Rosemary Popularity

20 Names Similar to Rosemary

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Famous People Named Rosemary

  • Rosemary ClooneyAmerican singer and actress, aunt of actor George Clooney
  • Rosemary Friederike Isabella Eleonore Henriette AntoniaPrincess of Salm,Salm; Archduchess Hubert Salvator of Austria
  • Rosemary LaPlancheactress and Miss America 1941
  • Rosemary "Rosie" CasalsAmerican tennis player
  • Rosemary Ann HarrisEnglish actress
  • Rose Marie "Rosemary" Kennedyeldest daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy, sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy
  • Rosemary AlteaEnglish medium, author and TV personality
  • Rosemary WellsChildren's book author
  • Rosemary SutcliffEnglish children' novelist
  • Rosemary DeCampAmerican actress
  • Rosemary DunsmoreCanadian actress
  • Rosemary MurphyAmerican actress
  • Rosemary Pereira GonçalvesBrazilian singer
  • Rosemaryring name of Holly Letkeman, Canadian pro wrestler
  • (Cecil) Rosemary PrattMarchioness Camden, first wife of Group Captain Peter Townsend, the one,time fiance of Britain's Princess Margaret
  • Rosemary Ounsworth (b. 2008)daughter of musician Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
  • Rosemary Dapkins (b. 2014)daughter of actress Gaby Hoffman and Chris Dapkins
  • Rosemary Keegan Kersey (b. 2018)daughter of YouTuber Acacia Brinley Kersey and Jairus Kersey

Rosemary in Pop Culture

  • Rosemary Woodhousemain character in Ira Levin's "Rosemary's Baby" and 1968 film
  • Rosemary Pilkingtoncharacter in musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"
  • Rosemarya character in the book/movie "The Giver"
  • Rosemary Dawkinscharacter in the "Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls" series
  • Rosemary Lewisintellectual in "Cumberland in The Silken Net" (1974) by Melvyn Bragg
  • Rosemary Shanahancharacter in movie "Shallow Hal"
  • Rosemarycouple name for Rose Lalonde and Kanaya Maryam in webcomic "Homestuck"
  • Rosemarymain character in 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' by Karen Joy Fowler
  • Rosemary Danielscharacter in Australian soap "Neighbours"
  • Rosemary Venitia Kingcharacter on British soap "Emmerdale"
  • Rosemary Telescocharacter in "Little Manhatten"
  • "Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes" song by Edison Lighthouse
  • "LilyRosemary, and the Jack of Hearts," song by Bob Dylan
  • 'Dear Rosemary'song by Foo Fighters