"type of red or pink flowering plant"
Rose
Pronunciation: [ r-OHZ ]
Timeless beauty in a single syllable
Meaning & Origin
"rose flower, the plant"
"famous type"
The Story of Rose
Rose entered English from the Old French 'rose' and Latin 'rosa', which may have roots in the Greek 'rhodon'. The word-name was used in medieval England both as a flower name and as a Latinized form of Germanic names like Hrodohaidis ('famous type'). By the Victorian era, floral names became fashionable and Rose emerged as one of the most beloved in English-speaking countries.
Rose has been a staple of English naming for centuries but saw a notable resurgence in the early 21st century, partly driven by its frequent use as a middle name (it's one of the most common middle names in the UK). As a first name, it benefits from the broader trend toward short, vintage, nature-inspired names.
The rose is the national flower of England and the floral symbol of love in Western culture, lending the name deep romantic and symbolic weight. In Christian tradition, Rose is associated with the Virgin Mary ('Mystical Rose'), making it a popular name in Catholic countries.
Fun Facts
- Rose is one of the top five most common middle names for girls in the UK
- Shakespeare's Juliet famously pondered what's in a name while thinking about roses
- The name has been in the US top 500 every decade since records began
Rose in Other Languages
Famous People Named Rose
Roseanne Park (Rosé)
Musician
1997
New Zealand-born South Korean singer and member of K-pop group BLACKPINK
Rose Byrne
Actor
1979
Australian actress known for Bridesmaids, Neighbors, and Annie
Rose McGowan
Actor
1973
American actress and activist known for Charmed and for her role in the #MeToo movement
Rosa Parks
Activist
1913
American civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rose DeWitt Bukater Fictional
Other
Protagonist of James Cameron's 1997 film Titanic, played by Kate Winslet
Rose Tyler Fictional
Other
Beloved companion of the Doctor in BBC series Doctor Who
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #115
- Total SSA Count
- 2,376
- Cultural Origins
- English French Italian German Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Rose is also used as a boy name, ranked #13373.
View Rose as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rose
What does the name Rose mean?
What is the origin of the name Rose?
Is Rose a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Rose?
How popular is the name Rose?
What are common nicknames for Rose?
What are good middle names for Rose?
What are good sibling names for Rose?
How many syllables does Rose have?
Is Rose a common or rare name?
About the Name Rose
Rose is a girl name with English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish origins . The name means "type of red or pink flowering plant" in Germanic .
Is Rose a boy or girl name? Rose is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #115 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #13,373. Rose is more commonly used as a girl name.
Rose is currently ranked #115 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Rose has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-OHZ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Rose include Rosie and Ro. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Rose include Rosalie, Rosemary, Rosie, Rosalia, Rosa . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.