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Rose

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROHZ /roʊz/High

Meaning: The rose flower; from Latin rosa, but also related to Old High German hros (horse) or hroth (fame) in the Germanic traditionHigh

In 30 seconds: The ultimate flower name, Rose derives from the Latin word for the world's most beloved bloom — a symbol of love and beauty for millennia. Brief and perfect, it has never gone out of style.
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Origin HighLatin, Old High German
MeaningThe rose flower; from Latin rosa, but also related to Old High German hros (horse) or hroth (fame) in the Germanic tradition
Peak year1917
Total births (all-time)≈ 481,286

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191718802017

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

History & Origin

Rose derives from the Latin rosa, the rose flower. In medieval England it may also have been influenced by the Old High German hrod (fame) or hros (horse). The rose has been a symbol of love, beauty, and purity across cultures.

Rose has been a popular English girls' name since the medieval period. It fell somewhat from the top ranks mid-century but has returned strongly as a standalone name and as a beloved middle name.

Did you know? The War of the Roses (1455–1487), the English civil war fought between the houses of York and Lancaster, takes its name from the white and red rose emblems of the two rival dynasties.

Variations

RosaRosieRosalindRosamund

Nicknames

RosieRo

Famous Bearers

  • ★Rosa Parks (1913–2005)
    American civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955 became a defining act of the Civil Rights Movement.

If you like Rose…

Violet— classic flower name with the same Victorian-to-modern revival arc
Iris— flower/mythological name with the same crisp single-word elegance
Daisy— Victorian flower name with the same sunny, timeless quality
Lily— pure flower name with the same simple, beloved perennial appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rose mean?

Rose comes from the Latin rosa, referring to the rose flower, a universal symbol of love and beauty.

How do you pronounce Rose?

It is said ROHZ /roʊz/ — one syllable.

Is Rose a boy or girl name?

Rose is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Rose?

Rose has been a perennial top-200 U.S. girls' name and is one of the most popular middle names in America.