Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rosemary originates from Latin, meaning 'dew of the sea'. It evolved from Rosmarinus in Latin to Rosemary in Middle English. The name is associated with the herb, which symbolizes remembrance. It has no significant biblical relevance and gained popularity during the Middle Ages. Common variants include Rosie and Rose, and it is perceived today as an elegant and classic name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈroʊzˌmɛri/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Rosemary is derived from the Latin words 'ros' meaning 'dew' and 'marinus' meaning 'sea', which together translate to 'dew of the sea'.
Meaning
dew of the sea
Language Evolution
Rosmarinus (Latin), Rosemary (Old French), Rosemary (Middle English)
Historical Usage
Rosemary has been used as a name since the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe, where it was associated with the herb of the same name, often symbolizing remembrance.
Variants & Derivatives
Rosie, Rose, Mary
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Rosemary is often considered a classic and elegant name, associated with the fragrant herb and its culinary uses. It retains a traditional charm while being less common than more popular names.
Famous People
Rosemary Clooney, Rosemary Kennedy, Rosemary Harris
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,542 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4965th of 7545 | 33 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2541st of 6773 | 165 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3577th of 7552 | 95 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6193rd of 10718 | 39 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10839th of 16616 | 26 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 153rd of 9107 | 27,559 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 102nd of 9204 | 48,702 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 145th of 12526 | 51,171 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 346th of 19264 | 11,381 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 506th of 27321 | 7,354 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 687th of 35406 | 6,382 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 423rd of 30306 | 9,060 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
5.93% 84th/1416 |
9.50% 131st/1379 |
11.24% 266th/2366 |
12.52% 143rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
3.95% 61st/1546 |
5.21% 81st/1556 |
8.67% 204th/2353 |
7.37% 114th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.20% 138th/2227 |
4.24% 103rd/2430 |
7.50% 214th/2853 |
5.91% 164th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
12.77% 375th/2937 |
7.06% 246th/3483 |
11.17% 393rd/3518 |
8.26% 334th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.52% 572nd/3685 |
9.03% 404th/4475 |
12.01% 624th/5194 |
7.25% 458th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
14.80% 678th/4582 |
12.20% 630th/5164 |
10.87% 795th/7313 |
7.95% 593rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.51% 339th/3984 |
11.12% 499th/4487 |
7.12% 486th/6822 |
6.39% 401st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New York across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4965th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2541st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3577th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6193rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10839th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 153rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 102nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 145th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 346th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 506th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 687th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 423rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.