Rosemary is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "rosmarinus," which means "dew of the sea." It is believed to have been coined by the ancient Greeks who were impressed by the Rosemary plant's ability to thrive in harsh coastal conditions.
The name Rosemary became popular during the Middle Ages when it was used as a symbol of remembrance due to its association with the Virgin Mary. The flower was often worn or given on religious holidays such as All Saints' Day and Easter, and its fragrance was said to ward off evil spirits.
In literature, Rosemary has been used as a character name by several notable authors including Shakespeare, who used it in his play "Love's Labour's Lost," and Emily Brontë, who named one of the characters in her novel "Wuthering Heights" after this fragrant herb. Today, Rosemary remains a popular choice for girls' names, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Despite its popularity, there are few people named Rosemary compared to other common names like Sarah or Emma. According to some sources, there were fewer than 10,000 individuals with the first name Rosemary living in the United States as of 2014. This may be due in part to the fact that many people associate the name with older generations, as it was particularly popular during the early-to-mid 20th century.
Overall, Rosemary is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history behind it. Its origins can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations who admired its hardiness and beauty. Today, those who bear this name carry on a tradition of strength and resilience that has been passed down through generations.
Statistics on the name Rosemary:
The name Rosemary has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 1800s, there were around 9 births per year with the name Rosemary, with numbers ranging from 5 to 14 births annually between 1882 and 1893.
However, starting from 1894, we began to see a steady increase in the number of babies named Rosemary each year. This trend continued until it peaked at 29 births per year in both 1897 and 1898. The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the early 1900s, reaching its highest point in 1916 with 996 births that year.
After this peak, there was a decline in the number of babies named Rosemary each year, dropping down to just over 200 births per year by the mid-1930s. This trend continued until the name's popularity hit an all-time low of 87 births in 1965.
Despite this significant drop in popularity, the name Rosemary managed to make a comeback in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with numbers hovering around 400-500 births per year. This level of popularity has more or less maintained since then, with a slight increase in recent years.
In 2021, there were 845 babies named Rosemary born in the United States, and as of 2023, that number has risen to 986 births. Overall, from 1882 to 2023, a total of 160,862 babies have been named Rosemary in the United States.
While the popularity of the name Rosemary has fluctuated over time, it remains a classic and timeless choice for parents looking for a name with a touch of vintage charm.