Rosemary
Rosemary is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Dew of the sea; also associated with the aromatic herb representing remembrance.
Origin and history
Rosemary is a classic feminine name derived from the Latin phrase 'ros marinus,' meaning 'dew of the sea.' It is also heavily associated with the fragrant, evergreen herb long linked to remembrance and fidelity. The name has been continuously used in the United States, enjoying steady enduring popularity over the decades.
Popularity in the United States
163,165 babies in the United States have been named Rosemary since 1880. It ranks #245 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #336.
States where it is most popular
- NY (12.7 %)
- IL (8.1 %)
- PA (8 %)
- CA (7.6 %)
- OH (6.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 73 |
| 1890-1900 | 200 |
| 1900-1910 | 634 |
| 1910-1920 | 7,079 |
| 1920-1930 | 25,965 |
| 1930-1940 | 24,857 |
| 1940-1950 | 34,297 |
| 1950-1960 | 25,020 |
| 1960-1970 | 14,604 |
| 1970-1980 | 5,823 |
| 1980-1990 | 4,989 |
| 1990-2000 | 4,051 |
| 2000-2010 | 3,961 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,930 |
| 2020-2029 | 5,682 |
Famous people named Rosemary
- Rosemary Clooney: singer, actress
- Rosemary Harris: actress
Nicknames
Rosie, Rose, Romy
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Latin words 'ros' (dew) and 'marinus' (of the sea), referring to the coastal Mediterranean habitat of the plant.
- Since ancient times and famously referenced in Shakespeare's Hamlet, rosemary has been a traditional symbol of memory and fidelity.