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Rosalia

♀ Girl

Pronounced roh-ZAH-lee-ah /roʊˈzɑː.li.ə/High

Meaning: From Latin rosalia, the name of an ancient Roman festival of roses (dies rosae), derived from rosa ('rose'); later used as a given name in the Christian tradition, particularly in SicilyHigh

In 30 seconds: Rosalia means 'festival of roses' — from an ancient Roman spring ritual of adorning tombs with roses. It blooms in Sicily through its patron saint and is rising beautifully worldwide.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom Latin rosalia, the name of an ancient Roman festival of roses (dies rosae), derived from rosa ('rose'); later used as a given name in the Christian tradition, particularly in Sicily
U.S. rank (2025)#609 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births481 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,662

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202318802025

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

History & Origin

Rosalia derives from the Latin Rosalia, the name of an ancient Roman festival in which roses were scattered on graves in memory of the dead. As a Christian given name, it became associated with Saint Rosalia of Palermo, a 12th-century hermit venerated throughout Sicily and southern Italy. The name spread across the Mediterranean Catholic world.

Rosalia has been used continuously in Spanish-speaking and Italian communities for centuries. In the United States it has grown as Latin American and Italian American families rediscover their heritage names, and it has gained broader attention alongside the botanical name revival (Rose, Rosie, Rosa). It ranks in the U.S. top 400.

Did you know? Saint Rosalia (1130–1166), the patron saint of Palermo, Sicily, is said to have cured the city of plague in 1625 — her bones were discovered and carried in procession, ending the epidemic — making Rosalia a name connected to miraculous healing and Sicilian identity.
Overall data confidence 94%
Behind the Name — Rosalia — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RosaRosalieRosalina

Nicknames

RosaRosieLia

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Rosalia (1130–1166)
    Italian hermit and patron saint of Palermo, Sicily, venerated for her role in a tradition ending the 1624–25 plague.

If you like Rosalia…

Rosalie— French form of the same rose-origin name with the same botanical elegance
Camelia— four-syllable flower name with the same Latin botanical heritage
Magnolia— four-syllable flower name with the same lush, romantic botanical character
Florencia— four-syllable Latin flower-origin feminine name with the same vintage Catholic tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rosalia mean?

Rosalia comes from the Latin rosalia, a Roman festival of adorning graves with roses, from rosa (rose). It became a Christian name through Saint Rosalia of Palermo.

How do you pronounce Rosalia?

It is said roh-ZAH-lee-ah — four syllables with stress on the second.

Is Rosalia a boy or girl name?

Rosalia is exclusively a girls' name.

How popular is Rosalia?

Rosalia ranks in the U.S. top 400 girls' names and is growing, boosted by interest in both botanical names and Italian/Spanish heritage names.