Rosemary: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: In the Victorian era, flowers and herbs were used to convey messages. Rosemary symbolized remembrance and friendship.

Rosemary Overview

Meaning

Dew of the sea

Gender

Girl

Origin

Latin

Etymology

Derived from Latin “ros marinus,” meaning “dew of the sea”

Pronunciation

/ˈroʊzˌmɛri/

Popularity

Rosemary is a classic name enjoyed in many English-speaking countries. In the USA, it ranked 311th for girls in 2023

Syllable

4 syllables

Length

8 letters

Numerology

6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)

Name Styles

Vintage, Nature-inspired, Classic

Associated Traits

Elegant, gentle, vintage, romantic

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Rosemary is often associated with remembrance and fidelity due to its use in folklore and religious ceremonies

Name Day

August 23rd (France)

Rosemary Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Rosamund, Rosaline, Rosalie, Rosaria, Rosalind, Rosemarie

Common Nicknames

Rosie, Romy, Ro, Mary, Rosa, Mae

Diminutives

Rose, May, Rye

Famous People

Rosemary Clooney
(American Singer)
Rosemary Kennedy
(American Historical Figure)
Rosemary Harris
(British Actress)
Rosemary Leach
(British Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

"Rosemary's Baby"
(Novel)
Rosemary LeVeaux
("Psych," TV Series)
Rosemary Kennedy
("The Kennedy Family," Various Biographies)
Rosemary Boxer
("Rosemary & Thyme," TV Series)

Places

Rosemary Beach
(Florida, USA)
Rosemary Hill Farm
(Gauteng, South Africa)
Rosemary Lake
(Massachusetts, USA)
Rosemary Lane
(London, England)
Rosemary Gardens
(London, England)

What Is the Meaning of Rosemary?

The name Rosemary means “dew of the sea.” It often signifies a person with a calm and gentle personality, akin to the tranquil imagery of sea dew.

What Is the Origin of The Name Rosemary?

Rosemary has Latin roots, combining “ros” (dew) and “marinus” (sea). Historically, it has been related to the fragrant herb rosemary, which has been used since ancient times in various cultural rituals and cooking.

Rosemary Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Rosemary in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#3612021	#3642022	#3112023
Top 3 Rankings	#741946	#791945	#801929

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Rosemary

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	311 (+53 from 2022)	986 (+115 from 2022)	0.05637
2022	364 (-3 from 2021)	871 (+26 from 2021)	0.04858
2021	361 (+81 from 2020)	845 (+147 from 2020)	0.04717
2020	442 (-38 from 2019)	698 (-72 from 2019)	0.03949
2019	404 (+50 from 2018)	770 (+73 from 2018)	0.04196
2018	454 No change from 2017	697 (-1 from 2017)	0.03748
2017	454 (-18 from 2016)	698 (-41 from 2016)	0.03695
2016	436 (+80 from 2015)	739 (+132 from 2015)	0.03817
2015	516 (+54 from 2014)	607 (+71 from 2014)	0.03111
2014	570 (-39 from 2013)	536 (-27 from 2013)	0.02740
2013	531 (+69 from 2012)	563 (+84 from 2012)	0.02921
2012	600 (+51 from 2011)	479 (+41 from 2011)	0.02470
2011	651 (+63 from 2010)	438 (+43 from 2010)	0.02260
2010	714 (+2 from 2009)	395 (-9 from 2009)	0.02015
2009	716 (+30 from 2008)	404 (+7 from 2008)	0.01995
2008	746 (-26 from 2007)	397 (-9 from 2007)	0.01906
2007	720 (-31 from 2006)	406 (-4 from 2006)	0.01918
2006	689 (+56 from 2005)	410 (+48 from 2005)	0.01961
2005	745 (-33 from 2004)	362 (-14 from 2004)	0.01784
2004	712 (-51 from 2003)	376 (-26 from 2003)	0.01863
2003	661 (-29 from 2002)	402 (-1 from 2002)	0.02004
2002	632 (-8 from 2001)	403 (+3 from 2001)	0.02040
2001	624 (+7 from 2000)	400 (+3 from 2000)	0.02019
2000	631 (-2 from 1999)	397 (+22 from 1999)	0.01989
1999	629 (-21 from 1998)	375 (-20 from 1998)	0.01926
1998	608 (+43 from 1997)	395 (+56 from 1997)	0.02038
1997	651 (-97 from 1996)	339 (-82 from 1996)	0.01776
1996	554 (+15 from 1995)	421 (+18 from 1995)	0.02196
1995	569 (+2 from 1994)	403 (+1 from 1994)	0.02097
1994	571 (+23 from 1993)	402 (+7 from 1993)	0.02062
1993	594 (-34 from 1992)	395 (-25 from 1992)	0.02004
1992	560 (-10 from 1991)	420 (-9 from 1991)	0.02095
1991	550 (-41 from 1990)	429 (-43 from 1990)	0.02110
1990	509 (-5 from 1989)	472 (+6 from 1989)	0.02298
1989	504 (+6 from 1988)	466 (+35 from 1988)	0.02339
1988	510 (-34 from 1987)	431 (-24 from 1987)	0.02241
1987	476 (-21 from 1986)	455 (-18 from 1986)	0.02428
1986	455 (-24 from 1985)	473 (-39 from 1985)	0.02563
1985	431 No change from 1984	512 (+24 from 1984)	0.02773
1984	431 (+2 from 1983)	488 (-1 from 1983)	0.02706
1983	433 (-13 from 1982)	489 (-44 from 1982)	0.02732
1982	420 (-20 from 1981)	533 (-32 from 1981)	0.02938
1981	400 (-5 from 1980)	565 (-11 from 1980)	0.03159
1980	395 (+32 from 1979)	576 (+87 from 1979)	0.03235
1979	427 (+14 from 1978)	489 (+36 from 1978)	0.02838
1978	441 (+3 from 1977)	453 (-7 from 1977)	0.02756
1977	444 (-40 from 1976)	460 (-37 from 1976)	0.02796
1976	404 (-20 from 1975)	497 (-37 from 1975)	0.03162
1975	384 (-36 from 1974)	534 (-90 from 1974)	0.03421
1974	348 (+1 from 1973)	624 (+15 from 1973)	0.03984
1973	349 (+8 from 1972)	609 (-8 from 1972)	0.03919
1972	357 (-16 from 1971)	617 (-126 from 1971)	0.03826
1971	341 (-10 from 1970)	743 (-54 from 1970)	0.04239
1970	331 (-9 from 1969)	797 (+3 from 1969)	0.04351
1969	322 (-26 from 1968)	794 (-82 from 1968)	0.04504
1968	296 (-15 from 1967)	876 (-38 from 1967)	0.05124
1967	281 (-27 from 1966)	914 (-208 from 1966)	0.05324
1966	254 (-13 from 1965)	1122 (-154 from 1965)	0.06390
1965	241 (-27 from 1964)	1276 (-353 from 1964)	0.06982
1964	214 (-9 from 1963)	1629 (-101 from 1963)	0.08322
1963	205 (-10 from 1962)	1730 (-208 from 1962)	0.08702
1962	195 (-14 from 1961)	1938 (-194 from 1961)	0.09561
1961	181 No change from 1960	2132 (-58 from 1960)	0.10264
1960	181 (-8 from 1959)	2190 (-40 from 1959)	0.10530
1959	173 (-2 from 1958)	2230 (+8 from 1958)	0.10728
1958	171 (-3 from 1957)	2222 (-53 from 1957)	0.10756
1957	168 (+7 from 1956)	2275 (+209 from 1956)	0.10843
1956	175 (-4 from 1955)	2066 (+51 from 1955)	0.10031
1955	171 (-11 from 1954)	2015 (-176 from 1954)	0.10050
1954	160 (-13 from 1953)	2191 (-241 from 1953)	0.11005
1953	147 (-17 from 1952)	2432 (-354 from 1952)	0.12604
1952	130 (-21 from 1951)	2786 (-559 from 1951)	0.14648
1951	109 (-8 from 1950)	3345 (-110 from 1950)	0.18108
1950	101 (-3 from 1949)	3455 (-178 from 1949)	0.19647
1949	98 (-8 from 1948)	3633 (-236 from 1948)	0.20695
1948	90 (-10 from 1947)	3869 (-673 from 1947)	0.22201
1947	80 (-6 from 1946)	4542 (+56 from 1946)	0.24985
1946	74 (+5 from 1945)	4486 (+986 from 1945)	0.27813
1945	79 (+20 from 1944)	3500 (+756 from 1944)	0.26001
1944	99 (-2 from 1943)	2744 (-223 from 1943)	0.20080
1943	97 (-5 from 1942)	2967 (-37 from 1942)	0.20670
1942	92 (+2 from 1941)	3004 (+327 from 1941)	0.21604
1941	94 (-9 from 1940)	2677 (-197 from 1940)	0.21485
1940	85 (+8 from 1939)	2874 (+263 from 1939)	0.24328
1939	93 (+2 from 1938)	2611 (-70 from 1938)	0.23023
1938	95 (+15 from 1937)	2681 (+374 from 1937)	0.23488
1937	110 (+1 from 1936)	2307 (+159 from 1936)	0.20938
1936	111 (-14 from 1935)	2148 (-246 from 1935)	0.19934
1935	97 (+14 from 1934)	2394 (+262 from 1934)	0.22029
1934	111 (-9 from 1933)	2132 (-95 from 1933)	0.19698
1933	102 (-2 from 1932)	2227 (-256 from 1932)	0.21290
1932	100 (-12 from 1931)	2483 (-239 from 1931)	0.22444
1931	88 (-6 from 1930)	2722 (-429 from 1930)	0.24662
1930	82 (-2 from 1929)	3151 (+44 from 1929)	0.27013
1929	80 (+8 from 1928)	3107 (+135 from 1928)	0.26841
1928	88 (-2 from 1927)	2972 (-181 from 1927)	0.24859
1927	86 (+9 from 1926)	3153 (+253 from 1926)	0.25501
1926	95 (+8 from 1925)	2900 (+145 from 1925)	0.23574
1925	103 (+3 from 1924)	2755 (+21 from 1924)	0.21812
1924	106 (+4 from 1923)	2734 (+307 from 1923)	0.21101
1923	110 (+10 from 1922)	2427 (+257 from 1922)	0.19378
1922	120 (+8 from 1921)	2170 (+136 from 1921)	0.17394
1921	128 (+13 from 1920)	2034 (+321 from 1920)	0.15894
1920	141 (+24 from 1919)	1713 (+383 from 1919)	0.13770
1919	165 (+6 from 1918)	1330 (+71 from 1918)	0.11323
1918	171 (+5 from 1917)	1259 (+135 from 1917)	0.10471
1917	176 (+8 from 1916)	1124 (+128 from 1916)	0.10003
1916	184 (+17 from 1915)	996 (+176 from 1915)	0.09174
1915	201 (+23 from 1914)	820 (+257 from 1914)	0.08009
1914	224 (+21 from 1913)	563 (+175 from 1913)	0.07067
1913	245 (+14 from 1912)	388 (+90 from 1912)	0.05924
1912	259 (+53 from 1911)	298 (+138 from 1911)	0.05079
1911	312 (+13 from 1910)	160 (+19 from 1910)	0.03621
1910	325 (-2 from 1909)	141 (+18 from 1909)	0.03361
1909	323 (+52 from 1908)	123 (+32 from 1908)	0.03342
1908	375 (+1 from 1907)	91 (+4 from 1907)	0.02567
1907	376 (+64 from 1906)	87 (+26 from 1906)	0.02578
1906	440 (-17 from 1905)	61 (-3 from 1905)	0.01946
1905	423 (+15 from 1904)	64 (+10 from 1904)	0.02065
1904	438 (+23 from 1903)	54 (+6 from 1903)	0.01847
1903	461 (+67 from 1902)	48 (+11 from 1902)	0.01725
1902	528 (+49 from 1901)	37 (+8 from 1901)	0.01320
1901	577 (-46 from 1900)	29 (-11 from 1900)	0.01141
1900	531 (+113 from 1899)	40 (+17 from 1899)	0.01259
1899	644 (-47 from 1898)	23 (-6 from 1898)	0.00929
1898	597 (-43 from 1897)	29 No change from 1897	0.01058
1897	554 (+200 from 1896)	29 (+11 from 1896)	0.01168
1896	754 (-116 from 1895)	18 (-5 from 1895)	0.00714
1895	638 (+267 from 1894)	23 (+11 from 1894)	0.00931
1894	905 (-311 from 1893)	12 (-11 from 1893)	0.00509
1893	594 (+132 from 1892)	23 (+7 from 1892)	0.01021
1892	726 (+113 from 1891)	16 (+5 from 1891)	0.00711
1891	839 (-172 from 1890)	11 (-5 from 1890)	0.00560
1890	667 (+20 from 1889)	16 (+2 from 1889)	0.00793
1889	687 (+272 from 1888)	14 (+6 from 1888)	0.00740
1888	959 (-266 from 1887)	8 (-3 from 1887)	0.00422
1887	693 No change from 1886	11 No change from 1886	0.00708
1886	693 (+354 from 1885)	11 (+6 from 1885)	0.00716
1885	1047 (-196 from 1884)	5 (-2 from 1884)	0.00352
1884	851 (-159 from 1883)	7 (-1 from 1883)	0.00509
1883	692 (-58 from 1882)	8 (-1 from 1882)	0.00666
1882	634 First SSA data recorded	9 First SSA data recorded	0.00778
1881	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1880	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Rosemary

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

New York (NY)

#5512021

#5632022

#4192023

Illinois (IL)

#3492021

#3812022

#2222023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#4042021

#3022022

#2802023

California (CA)

#4202021

#4402022

#3652023

Ohio (OH)

#2352021

#3692022

#2372023

Michigan (MI)

#3492021

#2442022

#2402023

Texas (TX)

#5662021

#4942022

#4722023

New Jersey (NJ)

#7252021

#4712022

#4552023

Indiana (IN)

#4492021

#4022022

#3062023

Massachusetts (MA)

#3662021

#3642022

#4562023

Wisconsin (WI)

#1812021

#2552022

#2982023

Missouri (MO)

#2502021

#2062022

#2182023

Minnesota (MN)

#5632021

#2262022

#2542023

Iowa (IA)

#2872021

#3482022

#2682023

Connecticut (CT)

#6242021

#4182022

#2422023

Louisiana (LA)

#2282021

#6252022

#4172023

Florida (FL)

#6372021

#5392022

#6742023

Washington (WA)

#3282021

#2842022

#1932023

Kentucky (KY)

#2862021

#4632022

#2262023

Maryland (MD)

#3772021

#3352022

#3572023

Kansas (KS)

#2662021

#3382022

#1792023

Virginia (VA)

#3552021

#2782022

#2762023

Tennessee (TN)

#2112021

#1662022

#2312023

Georgia (GA)

#3902021

#4662022

#3532023

Arizona (AZ)

#4052021

#4432022

#3442023

West Virginia (WV)

#2361983

#3772022

#2542023

Colorado (CO)

#3232021

#3302022

#4172023

North Carolina (NC)

#4672021

#4092022

#3352023

Nebraska (NE)

#4162019

#2712021

#3422023

Alabama (AL)

#3842021

#3252022

#3452023

Oklahoma (OK)

#4192021

#3612022

#3102023

Oregon (OR)

#2312021

#2142022

#1732023

Arkansas (AR)

#4842021

#4792022

#6642023

Mississippi (MS)

#3342021

#4492022

#3442023

New Mexico (NM)

#4542008

#3902020

#2652021

South Carolina (SC)

#5302021

#6032022

#3032023

District of Columbia (DC)

#1822019

#2062020

#2472021

Rhode Island (RI)

#2111979

#2091980

#2051982

Utah (UT)

#3682021

#2242022

#2012023

North Dakota (ND)

#2522021

#1872022

#2252023

South Dakota (SD)

#1951962

#2421964

#1962023

Montana (MT)

#1951959

#2582014

#2312022

Maine (ME)

#2542018

#2482019

#2402023

Idaho (ID)

#4442021

#3032022

#1742023

Hawaii (HI)

#2531966

#3221970

#3371980

Delaware (DE)

#1861961

#1191962

#2432014

New Hampshire (NH)

#1552018

#2472020

#2042021

Vermont (VT)

#981958

#1391960

#1341961

Wyoming (WY)

#1011951

#1631953

#1811959

Nevada (NV)

#4202020

#5002021

#4202023

Alaska (AK)

#1491980

#1152011

#2122016

Popularity Rankings for Rosemary in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW)

#651963

#831964

#911965

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

#2252003

#3162004

#3662010

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#3672003

#3752004

#4122005

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

#4822004

#3822005

#5302007

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#4602008

#4772014

#3992020

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#5702019

#4632020

#6162021

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#6482021

#5342022

#4832023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#5862021

#6342022

#6252023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#6132020

#9722021

#8902022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Rosemary a Name for Boys or Girls?

Rosemary has been used almost exclusively for girls, as its soft, botanical connotation aligns with feminine attributes in many societies.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Rosemary

Rosamund
Rosaline
Meaning: Rose
Origin: French, German, DutchRosalie
Rosaria
Rosalind
Rosemarie

Meaning: Rose, a flower
Origin: LatinRose
May
Rye

Rosemary in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Rosemary Clooney (Singer, 1928–2002): An American singer and actress who became famous for her hit song "Come On-a My House."
Rosemary Kennedy (Historical Figure, 1918–2005): An American member of the Kennedy family whose life story inspired the creation of the Special Olympics.
Rosemary Harris (Actress, born 1927): A British actress celebrated for her performances in both theater and film, including "Spider-Man."
Rosemary Leach (Actress, 1935–2017): A British actress known for her roles in television dramas and stage productions.
Rosemary Sutcliff (Author, 1920–1992): A British author best known for her historical novels for children, including "The Eagle of the Ninth."
Rosemary Casals (Tennis Player, born 1948): An American tennis player who was a trailblazer for women's tennis in the 1960s and 1970s.
Rosemary Brown (Politician, 1930–2003): A Canadian politician and civil rights activist who made significant contributions to social justice.

"Rosemary's Baby" (1967 Novel): A chilling tale of a young woman who discovers that her unborn child may not be human.
Rosemary LeVeaux ("Psych," 2006 TV Series): A recurring character who brings warmth and charm to the series.
Rosemary Kennedy ("The Kennedy Family," Various Biographies): The eldest daughter of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, whose life was marked by tragedy.
Rosemary Boxer ("Rosemary & Thyme," 2003 TV Series): A horticulturist who teams up with a former police officer to solve crimes.
"Rosemary's Destiny" (2018 Play): A drama exploring the life and choices of a woman named Rosemary as she navigates personal challenges.

Rosemary Beach (Florida, USA): A picturesque beach community in Walton County, designed with a New Urbanism style.
Rosemary Hill (Gauteng, South Africa): A farm and event venue near Pretoria, offering organic produce and outdoor activities.
Rosemary Park (New York, USA): A small public park located in the city of Rochester, offering recreational spaces.
Rosemary Lake (Massachusetts, USA): A serene lake in Needham, popular for fishing and picnicking.
Rosemary Lane (London, England): A historic street in the East End of London, now known as Royal Mint Street.
Rosemary Gardens (London, England): A community garden and recreational area located in Islington.

Meaning: From the land of Christians, citizen of Rome
Origin: ArabicRomina
Ramona
Rosanna
Rochelle

Sibling Names for Rosemary

For a Brother
For a Sister

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Thanks for reading! May you find the perfect name that brings joy and meaning to your family. Happy baby naming!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Rosemary Name Meaning