Home › Baby Names Directory › Rosella

Rosella

♀ Girl

Pronounced roh-ZEL-uh /roʊˈzɛl.ə/High

Meaning: little rose, diminutive of roseHigh

In 30 seconds: Rosella is an Italian diminutive of Rosa meaning little rose. A romantic three-syllable name with sun-drenched Italian elegance and the enduring beauty of the rose.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighLatin, Italian
Meaninglittle rose, diminutive of rose
U.S. rank (2024)#2335 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births79 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 15,909

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418802024

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

History & Origin

Rosella is the Italian and Spanish diminutive of Rosa, from the Latin rosa (rose). The rose has been a symbol of love and beauty since ancient times.

Rosella is used in Italy, Spain, and among Italian diaspora communities as a more unusual alternative to Rose or Rosa with romantic European flair.

Did you know? The rosella — a brilliantly colored Australian parrot named for Rosehill, New South Wales — shares its name with this lovely Italian diminutive, connecting Rosella to both a flower and an exotic bird.
Overall data confidence 90%
Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names — reference for RosellaBehind the Name: Rosella — name etymology referenceOxford Dictionary of First Names — reference for Rosella

Variations

RosaRosalineRosalindRosalia

Nicknames

RosieElla

Famous Bearers

  • ★Rosella Hightower (1920–2008)
    American prima ballerina of Choctaw descent who founded the École supérieure de danse de Cannes.

If you like Rosella…

Rosalie— French -ie diminutive of same Rose root
Rosaline— three-syllable -ine form of same root
Rosita— Spanish diminutive of Rosa of same character
Arabella— compound -ella name with similar Italian elegance
Rosanna— compound name with same Rose root and similar flow

Frequently Asked

What does Rosella mean?

Rosella means little rose, as the Italian/Spanish diminutive of Rosa, from the Latin rosa.

How do you pronounce Rosella?

Rosella is pronounced roh-ZEL-uh (/roʊˈzɛl.ə/), with three syllables.

Is Rosella a girl's name?

Yes, Rosella is an exclusively feminine name.

How popular is the name Rosella?

Rosella is used in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities, and is growing as a romantic alternative to Rose.