NameSync

Rosemary: Meaning, origin and popularity

Pronounced ROHZ-mair-ree · 3 syllables

Rosemary means “dew of the sea”, from Latin and English.

A combination of Rose + Mary, referring to the flower as a symbol of Virgin Mary, first recorded in the eighteenth century. It is found in continental Europe as Rosemarie and Rosa Maria. After mid-nineteenth century when flower names became common it may also refer to the herb rosemary, Latin ros marinus "dew of the sea".

Meaning
dew of the sea
Origin
Latin, English
Pronunciation
ROHZ-mair-ree
US rank (2025)
#251
US babies a year
about 997 (2021–2025)
Peak
around 1920
Style
Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Nature, Classic
Nicknames
Rosie

How popular is Rosemary?

Rosemary was the #251 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,222 babies. It’s rising: up 90% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1920.

18801920196020002020
Babies named Rosemary in the US by five-year period, relative to its peak (around 1920).

Around the world

CountryRank
United States#251
England & Wales#463
Scotland#399
Ireland#527
Canada#605
Australia#974

How old are people named Rosemary?

Half of US adults named Rosemary are older than 69; most are between 26 and 87. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)

Sibling names for Rosemary

Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Rosemary have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.

Names like Rosemary

Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.

On these lists

Questions about Rosemary

What does the name Rosemary mean?

Rosemary means “dew of the sea”. It comes from Latin and English.

How do you pronounce Rosemary?

Rosemary is pronounced ROHZ-mair-ree.

How popular is the name Rosemary?

Rosemary was the #251 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,222 babies. It’s rising: up 90% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1920.

How old are people named Rosemary?

Half of US adults named Rosemary are older than 69. Most are between 26 and 87.