What does Roswell mean and where does it come from?
Roswell is an English name that combines elements meaning 'rose' and 'well'. It has its origins in Old English and was historically derived from a location name. The name gained widespread recognition due to the city of Roswell, New Mexico, which is famously associated with UFO sightings in the 1940
Cultural significance
Roswell has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rose well.
Peak popularity
Reached #396 in 1891 — currently #10472 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Roswell?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Roswell?
Roswell works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Roswell Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Roswell John
One syllable · timeless choice
Roswell Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Roswell Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Roswell Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Roswell Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Roswell right now?
Falling — down 2272 spots — currently #10472 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10472 | 7 | ▼ down 2272 · -30% births |
| 2024 | #8200 | 10 | ▲ up 1372 · +25% births |
| 2023 | #9572 | 8 | ▲ up 2461 · +33% births |
| 2022 | #12033 | 6 | ▼ down 4592 · -40% births |
| 2020 | #7441 | 10 | ▲ up 3349 · +67% births |
| 2010 | #10790 | 6 | ▼ down 5612 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #5178 | 7 | ▲ up 1126 · +40% births |
| 1980 | #6304 | 5 | ▼ down 2441 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #3863 | 7 | ▼ down 300 · +17% births |
| 1965 | #3563 | 6 | ▼ down 455 · -25% births |
| 1960 | #3108 | 8 | ▼ down 321 · -11% births |
| 1955 | #2787 | 9 | ▲ up 573 · +50% births |
| 1950 | #3360 | 6 | ▼ down 1649 · -62% births |
| 1945 | #1711 | 16 | ▲ up 639 · +60% births |
| 1940 | #2350 | 10 | — |
The story of Roswell
Roswell has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,379 total births recorded, Roswell remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1035 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9572 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Roswell in 1891:
Roswell by decade
Roswell peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 39 | |
| 1890s | 88 | |
| 1900s | 38 | |
| 1910s | 276 | |
| 1920s ★ | 302 | |
| 1930s | 168 | |
| 1940s | 154 | |
| 1950s | 102 | |
| 1960s | 75 | |
| 1970s | 37 | |
| 1980s | 37 | |
| 1990s | 11 | |
| 2000s | 22 | |
| 2010s | 20 | |
| 2020s | 27 | |
💎With 1,379 total births, Roswell is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Roswell?
What names sound and feel like Roswell?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Roswell also consider these
Common questions about the name Roswell
What does the name Roswell mean?
Roswell means "Rose well" — 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 Roswell?
Roswell is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Roswell?
Roswell 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 Roswell?
Roswell is a two-syllable name pronounced RAH-swel. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Roswell a common or rare name?
Roswell is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.