Rosa

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROH-zuh /ˈroʊ.zə/High

Meaning: From Latin rosa meaning the rose flower; used across Romance languages as the feminine given name associated with the flower's beauty and fragranceHigh

In 30 seconds: A classic Latin floral name meaning rose, Rosa is the elegant Spanish and Italian form of Rose, beloved for centuries across Europe and Latin America for its simple, blooming beauty.

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Origin HighLatin, Italian, Spanish

MeaningFrom Latin rosa meaning the rose flower; used across Romance languages as the feminine given name associated with the flower's beauty and fragrance

U.S. rank (2025)#653 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births441 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1925

Total births (all-time)≈ 177,404

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rosa is the Latin form of the flower name rose (from Latin rosa). The rose has been a symbol of love, beauty, and the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition, making Rosa a devotional as well as floral name. In Spanish and Italian speaking countries, Rosa has been a staple given name for centuries.

Rosa was among the most popular girls' names in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carried by Italian and Spanish immigrant communities. It declined in mid-century but has been gradually reviving, boosted in part by the cultural legacy of Rosa Parks. Today it appeals to parents seeking a floral classic with greater international depth than plain Rose.

Did you know? Civil rights icon Rosa Parks — who refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 — made Rosa a name associated with quiet courage and dignity across generations.

Overall data confidence 97%

Behind the Name — Rosa — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RoseRosieRosalieRosita

Nicknames

RosieRo

Famous Bearers

★Rosa Parks (1913–2005)
American civil rights activist who refused to give up her bus seat in 1955.

If you like Rosa…

Rose— direct English equivalent sharing the same Latin root

Rosalie— a longer elaboration of the same floral name with the same graceful Latin charm

Vera— shares the same short, vintage Latin-rooted elegance

Flora— another short Latin floral name with the same classical beauty and charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rosa mean?

Rosa means rose, from Latin rosa. It is the Spanish and Italian form of the flower name, associated with beauty, love, and the Virgin Mary.

How do you pronounce Rosa?

It is said ROH-zuh /ˈroʊ.zə/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Rosa a popular name?

Rosa has been popular for centuries across Romance-language countries and is gradually reviving in the United States.

What is the difference between Rosa and Rose?

Rose is the English form and Rosa is the Latin, Spanish, and Italian form; both mean the same flower but Rosa has a more international, Latinate quality.