What does Rosemary mean and where does it come from?
The name Rosemary comes from the Latin 'rosmarinus'. It has a long history of use and has been popular since the medieval times. In its etymology, 'ros' means 'dew' and 'marinus' means 'sea'. Rosemary is also widely known as an herb that has numerous culinary and medicinal uses. The name is associat
Cultural significance
Rosemary has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dew of the sea.
Peak popularity
Reached #74 in 1946 — currently #251 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Rosemary?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Rosemary?
Rosemary works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rosemary Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Rosemary Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Rosemary Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Rosemary Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Rosemary Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Rosemary Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Rosemary right now?
Rising — up 50 spots — currently #251 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #251 | 1,222 | ▲ up 50 · +17% births |
| 2024 | #301 | 1,048 | ▲ up 9 · +5% births |
| 2023 | #310 | 995 | ▲ up 55 · +14% births |
| 2022 | #365 | 871 | ▼ down 2 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #363 | 846 | ▲ up 82 · +24% births |
| 2020 | #445 | 685 | ▲ up 71 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #516 | 607 | ▲ up 198 · +54% births |
| 2010 | #714 | 394 | ▲ up 32 · +9% births |
| 2005 | #746 | 361 | ▼ down 114 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #632 | 396 | ▼ down 63 · -2% births |
| 1995 | #569 | 403 | ▼ down 59 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #510 | 472 | ▼ down 79 · -8% births |
| 1985 | #431 | 512 | ▼ down 36 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #395 | 576 | ▼ down 11 · +8% births |
| 1975 | #384 | 534 | — |
The story of Rosemary
Rosemary has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. Its peak popularity was #74 in 1946. More than 158,441 babies have been named Rosemary since 1882. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1108 in 1885 to #310 in 2023. Rosemary is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Rosemary in 1946:
Rosemary by decade
Rosemary peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 73 | |
| 1890s | 200 | |
| 1900s | 634 | |
| 1910s | 7,079 | |
| 1920s | 26,021 | |
| 1930s | 24,938 | |
| 1940s ★ | 34,380 | |
| 1950s | 25,052 | |
| 1960s | 14,644 | |
| 1970s | 5,834 | |
| 1980s | 5,010 | |
| 1990s | 4,052 | |
| 2000s | 3,948 | |
| 2010s | 5,891 | |
| 2020s | 2,955 | |
What are good nicknames for Rosemary?
What names sound and feel like Rosemary?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rosemary also consider these
How is Rosemary written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Rosemary
What does the name Rosemary mean?
Rosemary means "dew of the sea" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Rosemary?
Rosemary is currently ranked #310 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rosemary have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rosemary?
Rosemary originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Rosemary?
Rosemary is a three-syllable name pronounced ROH-zmer-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Rosemary?
Rosemary pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.