Rose Names
- Evrose
Origin:
Invented literary nameDescription:
A combination-type name invented by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character who first appears in his book Ozma of Oz.
- Penrose
Origin:
Cornish and Welsh place name and surnameMeaning:
"top of the heath"Description:
Penrose – an ancient place-name and surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – would make for an even more unexpected alternative to quirky nature name Primrose. Intuitive nicknames Penny or Rosie make it feel more wearable.
- Primrose
Origin:
English flower nameMeaning:
"first rose"Description:
A quaint and quirky flower name, until recently considered a bit too prim for most American classrooms but brought back to life in recent years by the attractive character of Primrose "Prim" Everdeen in the Hunger Games series. In the Top 300 girl names in England and Wales and on Nameberry, Primrose remains rare in the US, but is made more accessible by a raft of sweet nickname options, including Rosie and Posy.
- Rosa
Origin:
Latinate variation of RoseMeaning:
"rose, a flower"Description:
As sweet-smelling as Rose but with an international flavour, Rosa is one of the most classic Portuguese, Spanish and Italian names, which is also favored by upper-class Brits, having an ample measure of vintage charm. Rosa has been on the popularity charts for every year that's been counted, especially popular from the 1880s through the beginning of the twentieth century.
- Rosalba
Origin:
Latin, from the phrase rosa albaMeaning:
"white rose"Description:
One of many Spanish elaborations of Rosa.
- Rosalia
Origin:
Spanish, Latin ceremonial nameMeaning:
"rose"Description:
Elegant and bright with plenty of flair, Rosalia this Sicilian Saint name is familiar in Spain and Italy. It refers back to the annual Roman ceremony of hanging garlands of roses on tombs, which could make it work as a commemorative name.
- Rosalie
Origin:
French variation of Latin RosaliaMeaning:
"rose"Description:
Rosalie hit its apex in 1938 and then slid straight downhill until it fell off the U.S. Top 1000 completely in the 1980s, only to spring back to life in 2009 as the name of a character in the Twilight series. The beautiful vampire Rosalie Hale has breathed fresh life back into this mid-century name, and the fact that the character is both sympathetic and relatively minor means Rosalie has the chance to thrive again as a baby name without feeling unduly tied to Twilight.
- Rosalina
Origin:
Variation of Rosaline, EnglishMeaning:
"rose"Description:
A feminine and fragrant member of the Rose family.
- Rosalind
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"supple horse or pretty rose"Description:
Rosalind has a distinguished literary history – used and popularized by Edmund Spenser and Shakespeare via one of his most charming heroines, in As You Like It. Along with a bouquet of other Rose names, Rosalind might be ready for a comeback.
- Rosalyn
Origin:
Variation of RosalindDescription:
True Blood may be the reason that variation Rosalyn has retained some popularity while the original Rosalind still languishes. Moderately popular in the middle of the last century, Rosalyn may deserve its revival but we still prefer the more classic Rosalind.
- Rosamund
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"horse protection"Description:
This lovely, quintessentially British appellation, also spelled Rosamond, is the name of a legendary twelfth-century beauty. Rare on these shores, it is more than worthy of importation.
- Rosanna
Origin:
Combination of Rose and AnnaDescription:
Rose lovers today would probably prefer Rosemary, Rosamund, or even Rose itself, all more stylish variations of the name. Some may associate this form of the name with actress Rosanna Arquette and your mom may think of SNL's Rosanne Rosanna-Danna, though that reference is lost on millennials.
- Rosaria
Description:
Rosaria is a feminine name with Latin and Italian roots, derived from 'rosa' meaning 'rose.' It carries religious significance in Catholicism, often associated with the rosary prayer beads and devotion to the Virgin Mary. Common in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Latin American countries, Rosaria evokes the beauty and fragrance of roses while maintaining religious connotations. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its sequence of soft consonants. While less common in English-speaking countries, it maintains popularity in Mediterranean and Catholic communities. Potential nicknames include Rosa, Rosie, or Aria. Rosaria combines floral elegance with spiritual depth.
- Roselita
Description:
Roselita is a delicate feminine name that combines the floral name Rose with a Spanish diminutive suffix -lita. The name essentially means 'little rose,' conveying sweetness and beauty. With Latin roots, Roselita carries the romantic essence of Spanish-speaking cultures while maintaining the timeless appeal of the rose symbol. While not widely used in the United States, the name has a melodic, flowing quality that makes it appealing. Roselita offers a more distinctive alternative to common names like Rose, Rosalie, or Rosalita. The name evokes images of grace and natural beauty while the diminutive form adds a touch of endearment. Parents might choose this name for its exotic flair and feminine charm.
- Rosella
Description:
Rosella can be seen as a nature name (a rosella is the name of a variety of beautiful Australian cockatoos and an Australian flower) or a diminutive version of Rose.
- Rosellen
Origin:
Combination of Rose and EllenDescription:
Another of the Rose-plus names, now far out of fashion.
- Rosemary
Origin:
Latin or EnglishMeaning:
"dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)"Description:
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.
- Rosetta
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"splendid"Description:
Associated with the ancient Rosetta stone, this is also the pretty Italian pet form of Rosa.
- Rosheen
Description:
Rosheen is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from 'róisín' (pronounced ro-SHEEN), meaning 'little rose.' It's a beautiful variant of Roisin, which became a poetic symbol of Ireland itself in the 16th century when bards would refer to Ireland as 'Roisin Dubh' (Dark Rosaleen) in their poetry. The name carries both floral delicacy and Celtic strength. While not extremely common even in Ireland, Rosheen has a lilting musicality that appeals to parents seeking a name with authentic Irish roots. Its distinctive pronunciation and spelling give it a unique quality while maintaining its connection to the beloved rose flower symbolism found in many cultures.
- Rosina
Description:
Rosina is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive of Rosa, meaning 'rose.' The name carries the beauty and fragrance associations of the flower it references, with the suffix '-ina' adding a touch of endearment and delicacy. Rosina appears in classical opera, most notably as the clever heroine in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage particularly in Italian communities. Rosina offers a slightly more elaborate and romantic alternative to the simpler Rose or Rosa, with a melodic quality that resonates particularly well in musical languages. The name suggests femininity, grace, and classical beauty.