Few names possess the enduring elegance, simple beauty, and historical weight of Rose. It is a name that manages to be both earthy and regal, evoking images of sprawling English gardens and Victorian literature. While it spent decades serving as the quintessential “filler” middle name, Rose has bloomed into a standalone star once again, shaking off the dust of the early 20th century to feel fresh and vital.
Derived primarily from the Latin rosa, the name is synonymous with the world’s most famous flower, symbolizing love, passion, and confidentiality. However, its roots arguably run deeper into Germanic history, offering a hidden strength that belies its delicate sound.
Verdict: Rose is a flawless choice for a baby born in 2026. It offers the vintage charm of currently trending names like Hazel and Ivy but with a classic, one-syllable punch that feels thoroughly modern. It is recognizable instantly yet remains distinct in a sea of longer, vowel-heavy trends.
Rose Overview
- Meaning: Rose as a given name comes from the German “hrodheid,” which can be interpreted as “famous flower” and is associated with beauty.
- Gender: The name Rose is primarily given to girls. However, it saw use as a boy’s name in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Origin: The name comes from the Latin word for Rose, “rosa.”
- Pronunciation: The name is pronounced “roess,” rhyming with “nose” and “goes.”
- Popularity: The name was most popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It has remained a popular name and, in 2021, was number 116 for newborn girls in the United States.
- Nicknames: Rosa, Rosalia, Rosalina, Rosalie, Rosaria, Rosie, Rosy.
- Variations: Rhodē, Róisín, Rosa, Rosalía, Rosalie, Rosaria, Rosarie, Roos, Rozália, Rozalia, Roze.
- Namesakes: Rose Hobart (American actress), Rose McGowan (American actress), Roseanne “Rose” Park (K-pop singer).
What Does Rose Mean?
At first glance, the meaning of Rose seems self-explanatory; it is the name of the world’s most iconic flower, representing love, beauty, and romance. However, the etymology is richer and more layered than simple botany.
The name originally began to be used as an alternative to the German name Hrodheid. The name Hrodheid is composed of the German words “hrod,” which means “fame”, and “heid,” which means “type” or “kind”. When examined in this context, the meaning translates as “famous type” or “famous sort.”
Culturally, the Rose has historically been a symbol of secrecy. In ancient Rome, a wild rose placed on the door of a room where confidential matters were discussed meant the conversation was sub rosa, or “under the rose,” and must be kept secret. Therefore, the name carries a hidden meaning of discretion and trust.
Where Does the Name Rose Come From?
The name Rose is a convergence of two distinct origins that merged over centuries.
First, it is Latin in origin, coming directly from the word “rosa,” referring to the flower. This iteration gained immense popularity as a given name in England, Italy, and France during the Middle Ages as floral names became fashionable.
Second, it is the Norman form of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis (Hrodheid). Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Germanic name merged with the Latin floral word, eventually spelling “Rose.”
It later became a way of honoring St. Rose of Lima for those in the Catholic faith, after she was declared a saint in the late 1600s (1).
How Popular is the Name Rose?
Rose is what name experts consider a “timeless classic” that has recently experienced a “vintage revival.”
The name became an absolute staple in the late 1800s and early 1900s, often referred to as the “Golden Age” of floral names. Notably, it was the 14th most popular name for girls in the United States in 1913. It was as common then as names like Sophia or Olivia are today.
As naming trends shifted toward mid-century modern styles in the 1960s and 70s, Rose cooled off, gaining a reputation as a “grandmother name.” Throughout the 2000s, the name sat around the 300s for its rank.
However, a massive shift occurred in the 2010s, likely influenced by characters in pop culture (such as Downton Abbey) and a general desire for simple, nature-based names. It climbed back into the top 150 in 2018 and ranked number 116 for newborn girls in 2021 (2). It is currently a stylish, popular choice that feels traditional but not overused.
How Do I Pronounce Rose?
The pronunciation of Rose is straightforward, which adds to its cross-cultural appeal. It is pronounced “roess.”
It is pronounced like the “r” in “ran,” the “o” in “go,” the “s” in “pass,” and the “e” is not distinctly pronounced. It rhymes with the word “goes” or “nose.” In French contexts, you may hear a softer “R” and a slight “z” sound at the end.
Is Rose a Boy or Girl Name?
The name Rose has traditionally been more popular as a given name for girls. This is not to say the name has not been used in history as a given name for boys.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, as the name Rose became very popular for girls, it began to see use as a given name for boys. Still, it was not nearly as popular. Today, it is almost exclusively used as a female name, though the variation “Rosen” or “Rhodes” is seen for boys.
Variations of Rose
Due to its use throughout history, the name Rose has many variations in diverse locations, cultures, and languages. If you love the meaning but want a different flair, consider these:
- Rhodē: Greek
- Róisín: Irish (Pronounced “Ro-sheen”)
- Rosa: Spanish/Portuguese/Italian
- Rosalía: Spanish
- Rosalie: French/Danish
- Rosaria: Italian
- Roos: Dutch (Pronounced “Row-s”)
- Rozália: Hungarian
- Rozalia: Polish
- Raisa: Yiddish
Nicknames for Rose
Despite being a short, one-syllable name, parents have found affectionate ways to shorten or alter Rose.
Common Nicknames:
- Rosa
- Rosie
- Rosy
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Ro: A snappy, modern short form.
- Posy: A rhyming, floral alternative.
- Zuzu: A vintage nickname famously used in the film It’s A Wonderful Life.
Names Similar to Rose
If you enjoy the name Rose and are looking for something similar, here are some of the most similar names. Many share their roots as a flower name or vintage charm:
- Daisy (Cheerful and sunny)
- Iris (Vintage and mythological)
- Jasmine
- Lily
- Marigold (Rare and golden)
- Poppy (Spunky and British)
- Rosalind
- Rosemary
- Violet (Soft and Victorian)
- Pearl (A nature name with vintage flair)
- June (A similar one-syllable classic)
- Grace (Shares the elegant, simple vibe)
Middle Names for Rose
Since Rose is quite a short name, it is incredibly versatile. We have categorized these pairings to help you find the specific “vibe” you want.
Long & Lyrical
These multi-syllable names create a beautiful rhythm when paired with the short “Rose.”
Classic & Timeless
These pairings feel royal, established, and serious.
Whimsical & Romantic
For a softer, fairy-tale aesthetic.
Sibling Names for Rose
If you are interested in finding a name for siblings that pairs well with Rose, you generally want names that are either classic, vintage, or nature-inspired.
For a Brother
For a Sister
Famous People Named Rose
There are many famous Roses out there, both current and historical:
- Rose Kennedy: The matriarch of the famous American political Kennedy family.
- Rose Byrne: Australian actress known for Bridesmaids.
- Rose Leslie: Scottish actress best known for her role as Ygritte in Game of Thrones.
- Rose McGowan: American actress and activist.
- Rose McIver: New Zealand actress known for iZombie.
- Roseanne “Rose” Park: Singer in the global sensation K-pop group Blackpink.
- Rose Lavelle: American professional soccer player.
Rose in Pop Culture
The name Rose lends itself very well to fictional stories, so here are some of the most famous pop culture figures named Rose:
- Rose DeWitt Bukater: The heroine of the 1997 blockbuster Titanic.
- Rose Nylund: The sweet, naive character played by Betty White in The Golden Girls.
- Rose Tyler: A beloved companion in the sci-fi series Doctor Who.
- Rose Granger-Weasley: Daughter of Hermione and Ron in the Harry Potter universe.
- Rose Quartz: The former leader of the Crystal Gems in Steven Universe.
- Rose Tico: Character from Stars Wars: The Last Jedi.
FAQs About the Name Rose
Keep reading to find the answers to some frequently asked questions about the name Rose.
Does the Name Rose Have Any Personality Traits?
While everyone is, of course, an individual, names are said to carry particular qualities. For instance, Rose is often said to be cheerful, conversational, and approachable. They are said to be kind, empathetic, and highly persuasive.
Is Rose Associated With Specific Colors?
Yes, the name Rose has strong connections to the colors blue, yellow, and white. There are also links to copper, silver, and diamond.
Is the Name Rose Biblical?
The name Rose does not appear as a given name in the Bible. However, the flower is referenced metaphorically. The “Rose of Sharon” is a famous phrase found in the Song of Solomon (2:1). Because of this, many religious parents view it as a name that honors the beauty of creation and divine love.
What is the Birth Flower for the Name Rose?
Unsurprisingly, the birth flower for someone named Rose is the Rose itself! The flower specifically represents the month of June. This makes the name Rose an extra special choice for babies born in early summer.
Is Rose Considered an Old Lady Name?
For a few decades in the late 20th century, Rose was considered an “old lady name” alongside names like Pearl and Mabel. However, in the 21st century, it has completely shaken this image. It is now viewed as “vintage chic” or a “revival name,” fitting in perfectly with modern trends toward nature names and grandmother-chic styles.
Can Rose Be a Short Form for Other Names?
Absolutely. While Rose is a complete name on its own, it often serves as a nickname for longer, more elaborate names. Common long forms include Rosemary, Rosanna, Rosalind, Rosamund, and Primrose.
What Does the Phrase Sub Rosa Mean?
The Latin phrase sub rosa translates literally to “under the rose.” In ancient times, a rose hanging over a council table indicated that everyone present was sworn to secrecy. Therefore, the name Rose carries a historical connotation of confidentiality, trust, and keeping secrets.
