Roswell is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the place it was named after, Roswell, New Mexico.
The city of Roswell was founded in 1863 as a military post during the American Civil War. It was named after Major Jonathan R. Roswell, an officer in the Union Army who had been killed earlier that year at the Battle of Valverde. The city itself grew and prospered over time, becoming famous for its aviation heritage due to its role in early flight testing.
The name Roswell, therefore, is strongly associated with the American West, military history, and the spirit of innovation and progress represented by aviation. It's a powerful and evocative moniker that carries a sense of patriotism, bravery, and forward-thinking.
While not particularly common, Roswell as a given name has been used occasionally throughout history, often in honor of Major Roswell or the city he inspired. It's a bold choice for parents looking to give their son a strong, meaningful name with an intriguing backstory.
The name Roswell has been given to a total of 1394 babies in the United States over the years, with fluctuations in its popularity from decade to decade.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Roswell was quite popular, with a peak of 48 births in 1919. This high point was followed by a decline in popularity, reaching as low as 5 births per year between 1930 and 1950.
However, from the mid-20th century onwards, there has been a steady increase in the number of babies named Roswell each year. The name reached another peak in recent years, with 10 births in 2020 and 9 births in 2017.
This data shows that while the name Roswell may not have been as popular in recent decades as it was over a century ago, it has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, Roswell remains an uncommon but distinctive name choice for parents seeking something unique and memorable.